Ehrlich Reagent Guide: Testing LSD, DMT, Psilocybin, Complete Buying Guide
Disclosure: we may earn a commission when you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Our picks are based on the testing protocols used by harm reduction services — never on commission rates.
Top Picks at a Glance
| Award | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essential Reagent | Ehrlich Reagent Test Kit (LSD & Indoles) | $25.00 | Check Price |
| Best LSD-Specific Kit | LSD Test Kit — Ehrlich + Hofmann Dual Reagent | Spot NBOMe | $25.00 | Check Price |
| Full Lab | Elite Drug Test Kit (10-in-1) | $150.00 | Check Price |
Why Ehrlich Is Essential
NBOMe compounds sold as LSD have caused numerous fatalities. They look identical to LSD blotters but have a vastly different safety profile, NBOMe can cause seizures, hyperthermia, and death at doses as low as 1-3 mg.
Ehrlich reagent is the simple test that distinguishes them: LSD turns pink → purple, NBOMe produces NO reaction.
What Ehrlich Detects
Ehrlich reacts with indole compounds, molecules with a specific chemical structure common to many psychedelics. Key reactions: LSD (pink → purple, 1-5 min), DMT (pink → purple, 30-60 sec), psilocybin/psilocin (pink → purple), 5-MeO-DMT (purple).
How to Test Blotter Paper
Cut a small corner (1/8th of a tab). Place on a white surface. Add exactly one drop of Ehrlich. Wait 3-5 minutes. Pink within 60 seconds = strong positive. Purple within 3-5 minutes = positive (slower reaction). No color change after 5 minutes = NOT LSD, likely NBOMe. Do not consume.
Ehrlich vs Hofmann
Both produce similar color reactions. Hofmann is slightly more sensitive at low concentrations but costs more and is harder to find. Buy Ehrlich first, it covers the most important use case (LSD vs NBOMe identification).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can melatonin cause a false positive with Ehrlich?
Yes. Melatonin produces a pink → purple reaction with Ehrlich. If testing blotters, use Hofmann reagent for secondary confirmation if a melatonin false positive is suspected.
Does Ehrlich detect all psychedelics?
No. Ehrlich only detects indole-based psychedelics (LSD, DMT, psilocybin, 5-MeO-DMT). It does NOT detect phenethylamines like mescaline, 2C-B, or DOx compounds.
How long does Ehrlich reagent last?
Unopened and refrigerated: 18-24 months. Opened and refrigerated: 12-18 months. Opened at room temperature: 6-12 months. Ehrlich is one of the more stable common reagents.
Testing Resources
Keep Reading
Last updated 2026-07-25. Prices verified against TestKitPlus at time of update and may change. Testing reduces risk — it never eliminates it.