EZ Test Tube for LSD (Ehrlich Reagent)
Price range: $9.95 through $34.95
The LSD Drug Testing Kit by EZ Test is designed to detect the presence of LSD and other psychedelic indoles and tryptamines, such as DMT, Psilocybin, 5-MeO-DMT, and more, as well as testing opium. This test uses the Ehrlich reagent, providing an indication of these substances through a colour change reaction. It’s a convenient tool for those looking to analyse whether a sample might contain any of these compounds.
How It Works
The LSD Testing Kit uses Ehrlich reagent, which is sealed inside a glass ampoule. When a sample containing an indole-based substance is introduced, a chemical reaction occurs that produces a colour change. This colour can then be compared with the supplied chart to indicate what substances may be present in the sample.
Ehrlich reagent consists of p-dimethylaminobenzaldehyde (p-DMAB) dissolved in ethanol with hydrochloric acid. It was originally developed by Paul Ehrlich, a Nobel Prize–winning physician, as a diagnostic test for typhoid fever and is still used in medical applications today.
Ehrlich reagent reacts with tryptamines (such as DMT) and ergoloids (such as LSD). It can also react with raw opium due to its small tryptophan content. The test is highly sensitive and can produce a visible colour change with only a few micrograms of LSD. One key advantage of Ehrlich reagent is that it does not react with paper, allowing paper blotters to be tested without interference.
The reaction occurs through a condensation reaction, resulting in the formation of a stable carbocation (a molecule with a positively charged carbon atom).
Importantly, Ehrlich reagent does not react with NBOMe-class substances, making it useful for distinguishing LSD from these commonly mis-sold and potentially dangerous alternatives. There have been no confirmed reports of samples sold as LSD containing both LSD and NBOMe compounds, so a positive LSD result strongly suggests the absence of NBOMe drugs. However, while unlikely, the presence of both substances is not impossible, and caution is always advised when handling or consuming illegal drugs.
What Is Reagent Testing?
Reagents are chemicals—typically acids or bases—that react in predictable ways with specific substances. All reagents sold by EZ Tests are designed to produce a colour change when they come into contact with certain drugs or groups of drugs.
Reagent testing involves adding a small amount of an unknown sample to a chemical reagent and observing the resulting reaction. This method is a form of forensic chemistry that helps identify or rule out particular substances or classes of substances by using different reagents. However, reagent testing cannot definitively confirm the presence of a specific drug, nor can it guarantee the absence of others.
Why Is Reagent Testing Important?
Illicit drugs are often manufactured, sold, and consumed without any quality control or reliable information about their contents. This lack of transparency can lead to unpleasant experiences, anxiety, or serious health risks. Reagent testing provides a fast and accessible way to gain some insight into what a substance may contain.
While reagent tests are not a substitute for professional laboratory analysis, they are a valuable harm-reduction tool and, in some cases, may help prevent serious injury or death.
What Are the Limitations of Reagent Testing?
Reagent testing has important limitations. A colour change does not guarantee that a specific drug is present, as different substances can sometimes produce similar reactions, leading to false positives. Likewise, a sample may contain additional drugs that do not react with the reagent being used, or their reactions may be masked by the expected substance.
To reduce these risks, it is strongly recommended to use three or more different reagents when testing any sample.
When using a purity test, it is essential to measure and test the exact amount of substance specified in the instructions. Testing an incorrect quantity can result in misleading colour changes and inaccurate purity estimates.
Safe Disposal
After testing, ensure that the used ampoule and any remaining sample are disposed of safely to avoid contamination or injury. Proper disposal helps protect both yourself and others from accidental exposure to potentially harmful substances.
If the reagent comes into contact with your skin, immediately wash the affected area with soap and lukewarm water for 10–15 minutes. If the reagent enters your eyes, rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water only for the same duration. If irritation persists, seek medical advice.