more FAQ (as collated by masheadatronic). to be revised/updated.
This FAQ was designed to cut down the amount of repeat questions which seemed to be appearing on a weekly basis, if you are new to ecstasy testing then it is important that you read this before you post, hopefully this will answer any basic and simple questions you have.
What are these test kits I keep reading about?
The Test for ecstasy is a quick and simple quality test for pills or capsules sold as 'Ecstasy', 'Speed' or '2CB'.
The most important feature of the Test kits are capacity to distinguish between complete fakes and MDxx like substances.
Do you drop the solution on the whole pill or break off a piece to test?
Just scrape off a tiny piece (about the size of a pin head) then place on a white surface (Most people use a plate)and add a drop of the reagent, then observe the reaction!
How long does the reagent take to react?
You should observe the initial reaction, most pills will react in the first 10 seconds and after a minute the reaction should have taken place, after a few minutes it is likely that the reaction will go green this is normal and does not mean you have 2cb.
How corrosive is Marquis reagent?
It is EXTREMELY corrosive and therefore you should be very careful when using it and if it gets on skin or clothes the it should be washed of straight away, if you somehow swallow the reagent then seek medical attention immediately.
Whats the difference between the kits?
E-Z Test Classic, Dancesafe Marquis, Green Party kit, E1 from CHemical Generation and Marquis 1 from Chemical Solutions are all essentially the same reagent (Marquis Reagent), however the there may be variations in the amount of Methanol used to stabilise the product.
Can Marquis reagents tell if a pill contains MDMA?
By itself, no, but when combined with other tests, especialy the Simon's reagent, you can. Ecstasy like substances (MDMA MDEA and MDA) all go darkpurple/almost black rather quickly with Marquis.Pure MDxx substcances will actually bubble a bit but officially, you won't be able to distinguish between the different MDxx's from a Marquis reagent's reaction alone.
How many drops do you use?
With Marquis yuou only need about one drop per sample, so that ends up to some 200 drops (probaly a bit less) per test kit. Other testing reagents (such as Simon's) may require more. Consult the instriuctions that came with your kit.
Is there anywhere that I can send pills for Lab testing? Where do they post the results?
If you live in the U.S. you can send them to Dancesafe (
http://www.dancesafe.org )
In Europe you can send pills to Pilltest.com (
http://www.pilltest.com )
Are there any more advanced testing kits which will test for other substances?
Yes There is E2 test kit from Chemical Generation
http://www.ravesafe.20m.com this test kit will test for the presence of MDMA, MDA, Amphetamine & Methamphetamine ,PMA (para-methoxyamphetamine) and Ketamine. The makers insist that it ideally should be used in conjuction with a MArquis reagent.
There is also the EX Test X-treme which contains
1 bottle with 5 ml EZ Test Classic (Marquis reagent)
1 bottle with 5 ml X-TREME Phase 1 (Simon's reagent)
1 bottle with 5 ml X-TREME Phase 2
1 bottle with 5 ml X-TREME Phase 3 (Robadope's reagent)
Simon's reagent will indicate the presence of a secondar amine, ie will show that MDMA, or methamphetamine is present. By crossreferencing results with Marquis you can differentiate between MDMA/EA and MDA, or methamphetamine and amphetamine.
Robadope is a test for the primary amine, and will indicate the presence of MDA/PMA. Once again by crossreferencinh the results you can (hopefully) detect mixed MDMA/PMA pills.
Both of these tests kits are used in conjuction with the original Marquis reagent. More info about the X-treme is available from
http://www.eztest.com/index.php?id=x-treme
A new test kit is also available from dancesafe.org. This is aimed specifically at the American market and makes it easier to to see the difference betweem DXM and MDMA. This kit uses the Mecke reagent. to order this or see the other dancesafe kits go to
http://www.dancesafe.org/testingkits/orderform.php
Dancesafe claims that their kit is "Superiour to Marquis". This is misleading. Mecke is better at differentiating between DXM and MDxx than Marquis, but is actually less effective at discriminating between MDxx and other compouns. All tests should start with Marquis and use this result to cross reference.
Can't the marquis reagent test for DXM?
Yes although it can be hard to distinguish the difference from this and MDMA as MDMA can go black. If there is ONLY DXM in a pill you will NEVER see the typical purple of an Ecstasy like substance.
A DXM reaction will be slower to the MDxx reaction and will typically be a grey/black rather than the purple black of MDxx. Don't let an initial puff of smoke make you think you automatically have DXM (see above). DXM is most common in North America and therefore it is a good idea to purchase a Dancesafe Mecke reagent if your major concern is distinguishing between DXM and MDMA. But remember to combine it with a Marquis reagent for true peace of mind.
Is it legal to send an Test kits in the mail?
According to US and EU postal laws, the Marquis Reagent is classified as a "class 8 corrosive material". In both (US and EU) postal laws there is a so-called "small quantities exception" for mailing class 8 corossive materials. So yes it is.
How should I store my Test kit and when will it expire ?
Always check the instructions that come with your kit. Each reagent has its own needs. Marquis should be stored in a cool, dark place, preferably in the freezer but a fridge is OK too. If stored correctly, a Test kit will stay good for a very long time. Take the Test kit out of the freezer 10-15 minutes before testing so the liquid gets to room temperature. Put it back into the freezer after testing.
Where can i buy a test kit from?
http://www.eztest.com http://www.ravesafe.20m.com http://www.protest.force9.co.uk http://www.dancesafe.org http://www.greenparty.org.uk
Should I test every pill I take?
In theory it is good to test every single pill, even those which are from the same batch, although if you are buying a lot of pills from one batch then maybe test them every so many, if by doing this you get varied results it might then be an idea to test more of them.
A list of test reactions that was compiled by Phreex using the marquis reagent
MDMA = light purple/blue to DARK purple
MDA = light purple/blue to DARK purple
MDEA = light purple/blue to DARK purple
Amphetamine = orange to a slightly brownish color
Methamphetamine = orange to a brownish color
DMT = green/yellow
DET = green/yellow
Mescaline = orange
PCP = purple
Heroin = purple or pink according to AJ
Cocaine = purple
LSD = grey
2C-B = green
2C-T-2 = orange to "rusty" red
2C-T-7 = orange to "rusty" red
5-MeO-DiPT = fizzes, then yellow to brownish-orange
DOM (STP) = yellow to green
DOB = olive green
DPT = olive green
DIPT = fizzes, then bright (neon) yellow
PMA = no color change
BZP = no color change, but it will fizz a little
AMT = brownish-yellow
Psilocybine = orange
Alpha-Methyl-DiPT = fizzes then brown
4-Acetoxy-DiPT = dark olive green
Ephedrine = yellow to yellowish brown
Yohimbine = fizzes, then olive green
Harmine = fizzes, then rusty orange
What does no reaction mean?
No reaction to the Marquis reagent means that your pill does not contain an Ecstasy like substance and could therefore be dangerous, if you come across pills with no reaction then do NOT take this pill, it is a good idea to send these to a lab.
For colour charts see these links
http://www.eztest.com/ http://dancesafe.org/testingkits/
Where can I post my pill results and pill reports?
http://www.pillreports.com http://ecstasy.org
You can also read other peoples reports and see what there test results are here and at
http://www.dancesafe.org Please remember though that not all pills are the same, there are many different pills with the same brands. It is also important that you don't take the information on these sites too seriously as there is no regulation as to exactly who posts on pillreports and ecstasy.org.
This FAQ could not have been made without the original comments from AJ, Johnboy, Jase and The Gamer , also thanx to Phreex for his list of reactions.
