Test Types
Gas Chromotography/Mass Spectrometer (GC/MS)
Example Output from a Gas Chromatograph
The Gas Chromatography (GC) process separates a substance into its various component parts by driving it down a long thin tube. Each chemical component exits the GC at a slightly different time and is then sent to the Mass Spectrometer which bombards the components with a beam of electrons in order to give the molecules a charge. The molecules of a given chemical component break apart into fragment ions which are then sent into a powerful magnetic field where fragments of various weights separate from each other. The separated fragments can then be charted and the chart compared to a database of previously verified molecules for identification (see below for sample chart). The GC/MS process is quite accurate and requires large and expensive equipment.
Marquis Reagent Test
The Marquis test is a reagent field test conducted by placing a drop of reagent liquid onto a small sample of the material being tested. The chemicals in the reagent react differently with different chemicals, turning a variety of colors based on the what is in the material being tested. A typical reation to MDMA is dark purple / black. A bright orange reaction can indicate the presence of amphetamine or methamphetamine (speed). A bright yellow / green reaction can indicate the presence of 2C-B, DOM, or DOB. This test is relatively limited in what it can test for, but is a simple and inexpensive means of narrowing down the possible components of a pill or material.
Mecke Reagent Test
As with the Marquis test, the Macke test is a reagent field test conducted by placing a drop of liquid reagent onto a sample of the material in question. Mecke reagent is primarily used for the identification of heroin and other opiates. Heroin turns green and then blue-green when treated with Mecke's reagent.
Simon's Reagent Test
The Simon's reagent field test is a two part test, a single drop of the first chemical is dripped onto the target substance and then the second chemical (baking soda water in this case) is dripped onto the substance and the color change occurs. Simon's Reagent should change to a dark blue if MDMA is present.