REFERENCE

Reagents

One page per reagent: how to use it, the colour reactions to expect, and where it misleads. Including the tests we no longer recommend, and why.

26 articles

One page per reagent: how to use it, the colour reactions to expect, and where it misleads. Including the tests we no longer recommend, and why.

Liebermann Reagent Test Instructions

27 October 2020

Liebermann is a fast spot test for alkaloids and a useful second opinion when another reagent is ambiguous.

27 October 2020

Mandelin is the reagent for meth, cocaine and ketamine. It is yellow to begin with and can settle, so mix before use.

Reagents Meck, Mecke, Meke

27 October 2020

Mecke is one of the three reagents that cover most of the market. Here is how to use it and what its colours mean.

27 October 2020

Hofmann is more specific than Ehrlich and slower to develop. That trade-off is exactly why it belongs alongside it.

27 October 2020

Zimmermann is the benzodiazepine reagent, and counterfeit pills have made it far more relevant. Here is how to use it.

Reagents Marques, Marquis

27 October 2020

The Marquis reagent has been the first test in the box since 1896. Here is how to use it and what each colour actually means.