The primary function of Nitric Acid (903) is to differentiate between Heroin and Morphine after getting a purple in Marquis (902) or a green in Mecke's (924) since these two reagents do not distinguish between Heroin and Morphine. Morphine turns red and fades to yellow, while Heroin turns yellow in nitric acid. You should be aware that any protein including your own skin turns yellow in nitric acid. Popular in Europe to distinguish Heroin from Morphine, North American agencies are not concerned with this distinction. The damage on human skin exposed to nitric acid is immediate; therefore, if you do not need it, don't use it. If you desire a stand alone test for Heroin, our recommendation is the Mecke's (924).
It has also been assumed by some that nitric could be used to distinguish between Amphetamine and Methamphetamine. This is false. ODV's 1994 invention of a stable Sodium nitroprusside test (923) made possible a vastly more reliable and safer method to distinguish Methamphetamine. The 923 is water based, i.e. no strong acids.
Mandelin Reagent (906) is an excellent test for Methadone, and is helpful in our sequential testing of unknowns. It was intended as a confirming test for Amphetamines following a positive orange to brown reaction in Marquis (902). Many, however, incorrectly use it as a stand alone Amphetamine test rather than Marquis. ODV recommends the best method for Amphetamines is... Amphetamines/Methamphetamine in the Marquis Reagent
The Marquis Reagent is designed to presumptively identify Amphetamine type compounds if they turn Orange to Brown within 12 seconds of the breakage and agitation of the ampoule. You must see this color reaction within 12 seconds or Amphetamine type compound is not present. Other substances may turn Orange and result in Brown after a longer time period. They are not Amphetamine type compounds.
After a positive Orange to Brown result within the Marquis Reagent, turn to the 923 Methamphetamine test. After breakage and agitation of each of the three (3) ampoules, if the resultant color reaction is dark blue you have confirmed Methamphetamine. If the resultant color is Pink slowly developing into a reddish brown, the substance is Amphetamine. It is always recommended to use the Marquis and Meth test in sequence to confirm these substances.
This information update is designed to answer the more commonly asked questions concerning field testing, as well as discuss the suggested testing procedures for some new substances found on the street.
It is extremely important to remember that you must receive a positive reaction after the breakage of each ampoule within the Cocaine pouch 904B.
1st Ampoule - Solid blue solution/blue flecks/some blue presence. If no blue at all is observed, STOP TESTING.
2nd Ampoule - Blue color will clear to an all pink solution. Note: on breaking the second ampoule a flash blue occurs even in a blank (no drug). This is a normal part of the chemistry and should never be construed as a positive. If the blue color remains or the color does not turn pink, STOP TESTING.
3rd Ampoule - Color must layer to pink over blue. Any other result is NEGATIVE.
This test demands three (3) positive results for a positive test. Do not allow yourself to skip a result because you suspect the material is Cocaine. Make sure you see the true POSITIVE RESULTS.
The Cardinal Rule of all color reactions within field tests is you must see the development of the colors within 60 seconds after breaking an ampoule. Any development of color after this time should not be considered as reliable.
Marquis Reagent - Amphetamine/Methamphetamine (Orange to Brown) within 12 seconds. All other reactions within 60 seconds maximum.
Cocaine Reagent - Maximum 30 seconds per ampoule for desired color reaction.
Duquenois-Levine Reagent - Sixty (60) second agitation for the 1st ampoule (Not looking for a specific color). Break and agitate the 2nd ampoule looking for the definite development of blue or purple color within 60 seconds. Break and agitate 3rd ampoule watching for color separation within 30 seconds.
Methamphetamine Reagent - Break and agitate each ampoule briefly in sequence. Dark blue color of Meth will appear instantly afterbreakage of the 3rd ampoule. Pink developing into reddish brown of Amphetamine will develop within 30 seconds.
Mecke's Reagent - Break and agitate the 1st ampoule 30 seconds (No color develops). Break and agitate the 2nd ampoule, a definite green color develops within 30 seconds.
Rohypnol (Roofies) - Referred to as the "Date Rape Drug". This substance is considered 10 times more potent than standard Valium. Rohypnol is packaged in a tablet form contained in a blister pack. To test Roofies, simply reduce the substance to a powder form and enter into the Valium Test 925 (2 ampoule test). Break the left ampoule and agitate for 15 seconds (No color develops). Break and agitate the 2nd ampoule, a pale violet will develop within 60 seconds.
Methcathinone (CAT) - Most commonly found in the Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin and Colorado regions. This substance has a similar chemical makeup to that of Methamphetamine. To test, reduce Methcathinone to a powder form and enter into the Valium Test 925 (2 ampoule test). Break the 1st ampoule and agitate for 15 seconds. Break the 2nd ampoule, agitate, and a butterscotch color will develop within 3 minutes. (The sole exception to THE CARDINAL RULE!)
GHB - A second "Date Rape" substance which surfaced
as long ago as 1990. At the present time, there are no known reagents
available for field testing this substance.
Ketamine - A commonly used sedative for small animals by Veterinarians.
#925 Valium Reagent is used to test for "powdered" Ketamine
(injectable form will not react) forming a dark lavender color
in the second ampoule.
Ritalin - A common sedative used for hyperactive children. At the present time, there are no known reagents available for field testing this substance.
Ecstasy (MDMA) - This substance is commonly found in night clubs and high schools around the United States. If tested within the Marquis Reagent (1 ampoule test), you will obtain an immediate almost black color develop. Proceed to the Mecke's Reagent (2 ampoule test). After breakage and agitation of the 1st ampoule and an immediate dark purple color develops, you have confirmed the presence of Ecstasy.
As a safety precaution, following the loading of the pouch and replacing of the safety closure clip, raise the closure clip to a 45 degree angle to make sure the pouch will vent. Then replace the closure clip and proceed with the test. This precaution is made because of the very rare situations where cut substances like "potassium chlorate" are added to actual controlled substances. Potassium Chlorate will cause an immediate heating and expansion of the pouch (within 3 seconds) when exposed to Sulfuric Acid. Sulfuric Acid is the primary solvent used in all Heroin testing.
You do not have to stop testing if the pouch expands or heats. Simply vent the test, wait for the heat and expansion to be eliminated, replace the closure clip, and continue testing.
In light of this rare situation, always ensure your full attention is on the testing procedure and results throughout.
No matter what type of tests your Department currently uses, you are encouraged to call our experts for any questions that may arise concerning questionable results or procedures you would like to clarify. During standard business hours Monday through Friday (excluding Holidays) you can call: 1-800-852-0300