Important Notice to Narcotest Users
of Nitric Acid and Mandelin Reagent and Other Important Data

The primary function of Nitric Acid is to differentiate between Heroin and Morphine after getting a purple in Marquis (7602) or a green in Mecke's (7624) 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 (7624).

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 (7623) made possible a vastly more reliable and safer method to distinguish Methamphetamine. 7623 is water based, i.e. no strong acids.

Mandelin Reagent (7606) 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 (7602). 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 longer time periods. They are not Amphetamine type compounds.

How Do I Distinguish Between Amphetamines and Methamphetamine?
After a positive Orange to Brown result within the Marquis Reagent, turn to the 7623 Methamphetamine test. After breakage and agitation of each of the two (2) 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.

General Information Update

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.

Positive Reactions Within the Cocaine Field Test 7613

It is extremely important to remember you must receive a positive reaction after the breakage of each ampoule within the Cocaine test 7613.
1st Ampoule -
Solid blue solution/blue flecks/some blue presence. If no blue at all is served, STOP TESTING.

2nd Ampoule -
Blue color will remain. There will also be sticky blue particles on the wall of the tube. Known false positives do not yield these sticky blue particles. Make sure you see the true POSITIVE RESULTS

What are the Recommended Agitation Times for the Various Tests?

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.