Testing Guide

Drug Testing — Reagent Kits & Fentanyl Strips

Testing substances before use is one of the highest-impact harm reduction actions. This guide explains how reagent kits and fentanyl strips work.

Why Should You Test Your Substances?

Adulterants — particularly fentanyl and its analogues — appear across virtually every drug supply category. A substance that looks identical to a previous batch may contain a completely different compound with different potency and risk profile.

Reagent tests identify drug families through colour reactions. Fentanyl test strips detect fentanyl presence in dissolved samples. Neither method is 100% definitive, but both significantly reduce risk.

Reagent Test Kits

Common reagents and what they detect:

  • Marquis — MDMA, amphetamines, opioids (colour varies by substance)
  • Mecke — Helps distinguish MDMA from similar compounds
  • Ehrlich — Indole psychedelics (LSD, psilocybin). No colour change = likely NBOMe
  • Simon's — Distinguishes MDMA from MDA and other amphetamines
  • Folin — Cocaine and related stimulants

Always use multiple reagents for confirmation. Follow kit instructions precisely — use a clean surface, tiny sample, and compare colours to the reference chart.

Fentanyl Test Strips

Dissolve a small amount of your substance in water. Dip the strip for the time specified on the package. One line = fentanyl detected. Two lines = no fentanyl detected at the strip's detection threshold.

Test every batch, every time. Fentanyl contamination can vary within the same supply.

Where to Obtain Test Kits

DanceSafe

Reagent kits and fentanyl strips. dancesafe.org

Bunk Police

Extensive reagent range with identification charts. thebunkpolice.com

TripSit Factsheets

Free substance information and testing guidance. tripsit.me

Local Harm Reduction

Many cities offer free test kits through syringe service programs and health departments.