Complete Guide to Reagent Test Kits: How They Work and Which Ones You Need
A comprehensive breakdown of every major reagent — Marquis, Ehrlich, Mecke, Morris, Froehde, and more — what each detects, and how to build your testing toolkit.
What Are Reagent Test Kits?
Reagent test kits contain chemical solutions that produce characteristic color changes when they contact specific compounds. Think of them as chemical fingerprinting — each substance leaves a unique color signature when exposed to different reagents. By running multiple reagents, you build a "color profile" that identifies the substance.
These tests are:
- Qualitative — they identify what a substance IS, not how much
- Presumptive — they strongly indicate but cannot 100% prove identity
- Destructive — the sample is consumed during testing (you only need 2-5mg)
The Major Reagents: A Complete Reference
Marquis Reagent
Detects: MDMA, MDA, amphetamine, methamphetamine, opiates, 2C-B, DXM
Color with MDMA: Deep purple/black (instant)
Use case: The most versatile single reagent. Every testing kit should include Marquis. It's the first-line test for stimulants and MDxx compounds. Get Marquis →
Ehrlich Reagent
Detects: LSD, DMT, psilocybin, psilocin, 5-MeO-DMT, other indoles
Color with LSD: Purple/pink (develops over 1-5 minutes)
Use case: Essential for psychedelic testing. Ehrlich specifically reacts with the indole ring structure. A negative Ehrlich on a tab sold as LSD is a major red flag for NBOMe compounds. Get Ehrlich →
Mecke Reagent
Detects: MDMA, heroin, morphine, codeine, oxycodone
Color with MDMA: Green to dark blue/black
Use case: Excellent secondary confirmation for MDMA and critical for opioid identification. Mecke produces distinctly different colors for different opioids. Get Mecke →
Morris Reagent
Detects: Ketamine, 2F-DCK, DCK, other arylcyclohexylamines
Color with Ketamine: Deep purple/blue (instant)
Use case: The gold standard for ketamine testing. Morris was specifically developed to detect ketamine and distinguish it from other dissociatives. Get Morris →
Simon's Reagent (Two-Part)
Detects: Secondary amines — MDMA vs MDA, methamphetamine vs amphetamine
Color with MDMA/meth: Bright blue
Color with MDA/amphetamine: No reaction
Use case: The only reagent that reliably distinguishes primary from secondary amines. Without Simon's, you can't tell MDMA from MDA. Get Simon's →
Froehde Reagent
Detects: MDMA, synthetic cathinones, synthetic opioids, aspirin
Color with MDMA: Greenish-black to blue-black
Use case: Excellent for detecting cathinone adulterants that Marquis might miss. Also useful for distinguishing MDMA variants. Get Froehde →
Hofmann Reagent
Detects: LSD, other lysergamides
Color with LSD: Blue/purple (slow — develops over 5-30 minutes)
Use case: Slower but more specific than Ehrlich for LSD. Used as secondary confirmation in comprehensive psychedelic testing. Get Hofmann →
Liebermann Reagent
Detects: Broad-spectrum — cocaine, MDMA, aspirin, paracetamol, sugar alcohols
Color: Varies widely by compound
Use case: Excellent first-line broad screening tool. Produces distinctive colors for many common adulterants and cutting agents. Get Liebermann →
Mandelin Reagent
Detects: Ketamine, cocaine, PMA, methamphetamine
Color with Ketamine: Deep orange/red
Use case: Secondary confirmation for ketamine. Also detects PMA/PMMA which can be missed by other reagents. Get Mandelin →
Folin Reagent
Detects: Piperazines (BZP, TFMPP, mCPP)
Color: Varies by piperazine compound
Use case: Specialized for detecting piperazines sold as MDMA or amphetamine substitutes. Important for comprehensive testing. Get Folin →
How Many Reagents Do You Need?
| Testing Goal | Minimum Reagents | Our Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| MDMA/Ecstasy only | 3 (Marquis, Simon's, Froehde) | MDMA Complete Kit |
| General stimulants | 3 (Marquis, Simon's, Liebermann) | 3-in-1 Starter Kit |
| Psychedelics | 2 (Ehrlich, Hofmann) | LSD Complete Kit |
| Ketamine | 2 (Morris, Mandelin) | Ketamine Test Kit |
| Comprehensive | 6+ | Pro 6-in-1 Kit |
| Complete coverage | 9 | Complete 9-Reagent Kit |
Storage and Shelf Life
Reagent bottles stored properly in a cool, dark place (refrigerator is ideal) last 12-18 months. Signs of expiration: darkened liquid in the bottle, weak or muddy reactions, failure to produce expected color on known substances.
Testing saves lives. No single test is perfect — always use multiple reagents and follow dosing safety practices.
Further reading: Reagent storage guide | Best test kit bundles | How to choose a kit*
Kits Mentioned in This Article
Marquis Reagent Test Kit (MDMA & Stimulants)
Essential chemical reagent kit for MDMA, Ecstasy, speed, and other stimulants.
Ehrlich Reagent Test Kit (LSD & Indoles)
The gold standard chemical reagent kit to identify LSD, DMT, and other indole compounds.
Mecke Reagent Test Kit
An essential reagent for verifying MDMA and identifying dangerous adulterants like PMA/PMMA.
Morris Reagent Test Kit
Cobalt thiocyanate reagent purpose-built for definitive ketamine and dissociative identification.
Ready to Test Safely?
All reagents, test strips, and testing accessories mentioned in this guide are available in our catalog — shipped discreetly worldwide.