SafeTest4

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Note: When testing you can either test for a "preferred" substance, or you can test for adulterants. If you are testing for a preferred substance you will generally look for reagents that confirm the presence of that substance the easiest and clearest i.e. Gallic Acid for MDxx (MDMA, MDA, MDE, MDEA). However this is not an ideal testing method. You should be testing to disprove adulterants primarily and then reaching a conclusion that the substance is the desired substance. 

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The reagents contain strong acids with other potentially dangerous chemicals and are strong enough to burn skin and clothing. If you get some on you/clothing, then immediately wash with soap (optional) and water.

 

Most colour reactions given are what you should see after a few seconds to 1 minute (max). Some colour reactions will be very similar. Using all the reagent tests individually will help to distinguish between each. Generally, three different Reagent tests are required to roughly determine sample content. However, the more reagents that are tested with the more chance there is in identify adulterants.

 

These reagents can only determine the PRESENCE, NOT QUANTITY or PURITY, of a particular substance. Dark colour reactions will tend to override reactions to other substances present in the test substance.

 

Only a very small amount is required for each test. Too much, will “overload” the test and colours will be difficult to distinguish. Basically, you will not be able to see the subtle changes that some substances can produce which will make it harder to determine what the substance is e.g. missing a initial purple phase before the test goes very dark / black.

 

Essentially, less is more in this process.

 

Crystals/pills need to be in their finest powder form for testing. Scrape a small amount off and then make sure it is crushed down to the size of salt grains (size of a full stop), not sugar grains as too big.

 

If crystals, test each individual lump/clump as there may be a mixture of similar looking substances added to baulk out the product.

 

The process of testing destroys the substance being tested when added with the reagent test.

 

Pre-testing requirements ampoule (small glass tube) based test:

• In order to get the best out of testing you need to test in a well lit area (generally the whiter the light the better so colours are not tinted).

• White background (to assist colour determination)

• Near water – in case of accident

• In a place where you are not going to be disturbed

• Pen & paper (white so can be used as background) to note the colour changes etc

• Suitable surface and tool to scrape and grind test substance

• Timing device up to 60 seconds

• May be a friend to help in identifying any colour changes and noting them down.

 

Using the tests:

1. Always test with Marquis (clearish liquid) first then Mandelin (yellow liquid).

2. Add about 10 grains (a grain is the size of a full stop) of FINELY ground substance to the test reagent.

3. Colour changes can be very quick so be prepared to watch for colour changes as soon as substance added.

4. Only consider the colour changes up to 60 seconds after adding substance to test reagent.

5. Make a note all main colour changes and when they occur (how many seconds after adding the test substance to the reagent).

6. Discard the completed test safely (rinse with water and put in bin) and repeat with another reagent.

7. Use the provided charts, on this webpage or on the instruction leaflet, to determine what may be in the substance.

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Example of result: purple (2 sec) > blue > black (60 sec)