Reagent testing involves the use of chemical solutions to identify specific substances or contaminants in drugs. This method has been widely adopted as a harm reduction tool, particularly for testing recreational drugs like MDMA, cocaine, LSD, ketamine, and amphetamines. However, reagent kits are not currently designed to test for nitazenes, fentanyl, or synthetic cannabinoids. These substances are typically identified using drug identification strips or laboratory/FT-IR testing methods.

Reagent Testing

What Are Reagent Tests?

Reagent tests usually involve placing a small sample of a substance (a few milligrams) into a test liquid—sometimes multiple liquids in sequence. The chemical reaction can produce a color change that suggests (but does not guarantee) the presence or absence of certain compounds.

• Harm Reduction Reminder:

  • Reagent tests cannot confirm if a sample is “safe.”

  • They only give partial information (e.g., that a known reaction color matches a substance in the sample).

  • If a reaction doesn’t match your expectations, consider not consuming the substance.

  • Using multiple reagent tests can reduce the chance of misinterpretation, but can never eliminate it.

General Harm Reduction Tips for Testing

• Use Multiple Reagents: A combination of tests (Marquis, Mecke, Simon’s, etc.) gives you more confidence than relying on one test alone.

• Compare to a Trusted Color Chart: Always have a reliable set of color references. Online references from harm reduction organizations often give detailed step‐by‐step guides.

• Test in Good Lighting: Subtle color differences can be tricky to read in dim or colored lighting.

• Use Proper Safety Measures: Wear gloves and protective eyewear; reagents are strong acids or chemicals that can cause chemical burns.

• Test a Tiny Sample First: Use as little as possible. Discard anything that reacts in unexpected ways.

• Remember Limitations: Even if a reagent test “confirms” what you think you have, contamination or adulteration with other substances is still possible.

Common Reagent Tests & Their General Uses

1. Marquis Reagent

• Primary for: MDMA, Amphetamine, Methamphetamine, Mescaline

• Secondary for: Cocaine, Heroin

• Notes: Marquis is often considered the most common or a “first‐line” reagent. Users expect a dark purple/black color when testing MDMA‐like substances; orange for amphetamines.

• Limitations: Marquis can be fooled by synthetic cathinones (“bath salts”) or other novel psychoactives that produce somewhat similar color shifts.
  

2. Mandelin Reagent

• Secondary for: Ketamine, Cocaine

• Notes: Often used as a follow‐up to Marquis. Mandelin can help differentiate between certain stimulants (like ketamine vs. amphetamines).

• Limitations: As with all reagent tests, it can produce similar colors for multiple substances.
  

3. Ehrlich Reagent

• Primary for: LSD (also reacts with other indoles such as psilocin)

• Notes: If you suspect a blotter paper might contain LSD, Ehrlich turning purple can be a strong indicator of a classic indole‐based psychedelic.

• Limitations: Some other research chemicals (e.g., 1P‐LSD, AL‐LAD) will also produce a purple color. A positive Ehrlich reaction is not proof of LSD purity or dosage.
  

4. Mecke Reagent

• Secondary for: MDMA, Cocaine, Heroin, Ketamine, Amphetamines, DMT, Mescaline, Methamphetamine

• Notes: Mecke is frequently used to distinguish between different classes of compounds once a Marquis test has been done. Certain opioids (like heroin) can give a distinct greenish color.

• Limitations: Some less‐common substances might yield colors that are easily confused. Always cross‐reference with color charts.

Common Reagent Tests & Their General Uses (Continued)

5. Simon’s Reagent (Two‐Part Test)

• Two‐part secondary for: MDMA, Methamphetamine, Amphetamine

• What it Does: Can differentiate between a secondary amine (MDMA/MDA) vs. a primary amine (amphetamine, etc.). Essentially helps clarify if something is more likely MDMA or MDA vs. “speed” (amphetamine) or methamphetamine.

• Limitations: Even correct identification of MDMA vs. MDA does not ensure purity or the absence of adulterants.
  

6. Hofmann Reagent

• Primary for: DMT

• Secondary for: LSD

• Notes: Similar to Ehrlich, Hofmann’s reagent reacts to indole‐type compounds. People sometimes use it specifically to check for DMT or LSD‐related compounds.
  

7. Liebermann Reagent

• Secondary for: Cocaine, Ketamine

• Notes: Liebermann can help confirm suspected cocaine or ketamine after running other tests (e.g. Marquis, Mecke).

• Limitations: Must consult thorough color charts; can be ambiguous if the sample contains multiple substances.
  

8. Froehde Reagent

• Secondary for: Ketamine, Heroin, Mescaline

• Notes: Often used alongside Mandelin or Mecke to differentiate certain psychoactives.

• Limitations: The color changes can be subtle, so it’s especially important to compare your results with a reputable reference chart.
  

9. Morris Reagent

• Primary for: Cocaine, Ketamine

• Notes: Like Liebermann, Morris can help confirm common cocaine or ketamine signatures when used in combination with other reagents.

The Bottom Line/Outside Resources

Reagent testing is one layer of risk reduction. The only way to truly avoid drug‐related harms is not to use them at all. For those who do choose to use substances, knowing how to do basic reagent testing correctly—and interpreting the results carefully—can help reduce but not eliminate risks. Always consider safer use strategies (e.g., start with a low dose, avoid mixing with other substances, keep a friend around, and know when to seek medical help). If possible, use advanced testing services (e.g., lab testing) for a more accurate breakdown of what’s in a sample.

Reagent Test Distributors
Bunk Police Reagent Test Kits (Single Reagents)
Bunk Police Reagent Test Kits (Combination Packages)
Dance Safe Reagent Test Kits (Single Reagents)
Dance Safe Reagent Test Kits (Combination Packages)
TN Scientific Reagent Test Kits (Benzodiazepine specific kits available too!)
DoseTest (Single Reagents)
DoseTest (Complete Series of Reagents)