How to test MDA: if you intend to use MDA, first you need an MDA test kit to check it for adulterants. Pure MDA or Sally can look white, brown or tan, and can’t be identified by appearence. To test MDA use reagent tests Marquis, Mecke, Simon’s and Robadope in single-use or multiple-use test kits. To detect fentanyl or test for fentanyl analogs it’s recommended to use fentanyl test strips.
Drug tests presumptively indicate PRESENCE, but not PURITY or QUANTITY. Use different tests to improve accuracy and to detect adulterants – 90% of adulterants will react with 1 out of 3 reagents, and 95% with 1 out of 5.
A positive or negative test result does not indicate if the substance is safe. No substance is 100% safe.
TL;DR: Here is an image with a quick cheat sheet how to use the MDA test kit, or check out more detailed guide on how to test MDA further below.

What test kit do I need to test MDA (Sally / Ecstasy)?
SAMPLE | RECOMMENDED TEST KITS |
MDA / MDMA | primary test – Marquis primary test – Mecke secondary test – Simon’s secondary test – Robadope recommended test kits: – single-use MDMA test kit – multiple-use MDMA test kit |
2C-B | primary test – Marquis secondary test – Mecke secondary test – Robadope recommended test kits: – single-use MDMA test kit – multiple-use MDMA test kit |
How can I test MDA?
BEFORE using an MDA test kit
- It’s RECOMMENDED to record the reaction to compare later
STEP ONE for testing MDA pills / capsules / powder / crystals
- Take and finely crush a small piece, no bigger than a head of a needle – like this •.
- Put it on a suitable testing plate, preferably a spot test plate or the bottom/underside of a ceramic mug (example). *If using single-use vials insert the sample and observe, as the reagent is already within.
- Add one (or two) drops of Marquis reagent test (or other supplied) on the sample and wait for the results.
- Check reagent test results with instructions.

How to use an MDA test kit?
- Check test results with Marquis test kit: if testing MDxx (MDMA, MDA or MDEA) the color of the reaction should be instant black. It can look brownish or purple for a few seconds before turning fully black.
- MDxx turn all the following reagent tests black: Marquis, Mecke, Mandelin, Liebermann and Froehde.
- To tell apart MDA and MDMA use Robadope test kit, which turns pink with any primary amine like amphetamine, MDA, PMA, or 2C-x.
STEP TWO testing MDA for adulterants
According to Ecstasydata.org pills that do contain MDA are almost never ‘adulterated’ with something else besides caffeine or leftover precursors.
- To detect MDA adulterants you can use tests Simon’s (for MDMA, meth, mephedrone, methylone or PMMA) and Zimmermann (for a-PVP and 4-MMC derivatives). They react to secondary amines and secondary and tertiary cathinones, but not to MDA.

AFTER using an MDA test kit
- OPTIONAL: Pour baking soda over a finished reaction to neutralize used reagents.
- Wash testing surface under running water.
FAQ
- Purple color. The usually referenced purple to black Marquis test kit color can often look more brownish. Pay attention to how instant was the color change to black, rather than to the exact initial hue.
- Fizzing. Any synthetic drug in a form of salt will bubble with most reagent tests, which are strong acids. If you see only fizzing instead of color change, that can indicate presence of a new psychoactive substance.
- Speed of the reaction does not indicate quantity nor purity. However, if you are having trouble interpreting your result try using a bigger sample or crushing it better before testing.
- How many tests can you get from one test kit? A multiple-use test kit lasts up to 100 (5 ml) or 200 (10 ml) tests. Each drop equals one test. A single use-test kit contains 2 disposable ampoules (2 tests).
All MDA test results:
TEST | MDA |
MARQUIS | Instant Violet / Brown > Black |
MECKE | Instant Green > Black |
MANDELIN | Instant Blue > Black |
LIEBERMANN | Instant Brown / Purple > Black |
FROEHDE | Instant Yellow/Green > Dark Blue > Black |
EHRLICH | No color change |
HOFMANN | No color change |
SIMON’S | No blue color change |
ROBADOPE | Slow pink |
SCOTT | No full color change |
ZIMMERMANN |
MDA test did not react as indicated? Watch out!
All test results are available in our instructions and TestDrugs apps.
How to check if reagent for testing MDA works?
- Test any substance and compare color reactions with instructions. It’s easiest to use aspirin – Marquis reagent reacts to it with a slow pink color change.
- Keep a sample to compare later in case of doubt. If control sample reacts fine, it means the reagent still works.
Looking where to buy a kit for testing MDA?
- Single-use MDA test kit – 3,9 EUR per test, FREE SHIPPING
- Multiple-use MDA test kit – just cents per test, set of 4 reagents
- Fentanyl test strips – learn how to test MDA for fentanyl
- …or check out the guide “What is the best reagent test?” and choose from all available SIN reagent test kits
How to detect fentanyl?
BEFORE using a fentanyl test strip
- It’s RECOMMENDED to test each and every dose. Because of extreme potency (microgram range) fentanyl is never evenly mixed in.
STEP ONE for testing fentanyl powder / pills / spice
- Dissolve 100-200 mg in at least 125 ml of water (half a cup).
- Grab a test strip by blue end and insert it into the liquid, no higher than the blue line.
- Wait until liquid starts visibly moving up the test strip (up to 15 seconds).
- Put the test strip away on a flat dry surface and read the result in 2 minutes.
How to use a fentanyl test strip?
- Check test strip results: a single line confirms the presence of fentanyl, while two lines (even faint) rule it out.

Fentanyl test did not react as indicated? Watch out!
All test results are available in our instructions and TestDrugs apps.
FAQ
- Faint line. Even faint second line result is enough to rule out the presence of fentanyl.
- Injecting. If you inject you especially need to test each and every dose. It’s best to test the spoon (or cooker) residue every time before use.
- Speed of the reaction does not indicate quantity nor purity. However, if you are having trouble interpreting your result try using a bigger sample or crushing it better before testing.
- How many tests can you get from one test kit? A single fentanyl test strip is enough for one test.
Looking where to buy a test kit for fentanyl?
- Reagent test kits – just cents per test, good for pure fentanyl
- Fentanyl test strips – tests for fentanyl and fentanyl analogs
- …or check out the guide “What is the best reagent test?” and choose from all available SIN reagent test kits
List of all SIN guides how to test drugs:
How to test 2C-B?
How to test MDA?
How to test MDMA?
How to test LSD?
How to test DMT?
How to test FENTANTYL?
How to test COCAINE?
How to test MESCALINE?
How to test KETAMINE?
How to test MEPHEDRONE?
How to test AMPHETAMINE?
How to test METHAMPHETAMINE?
How to test HEROIN & OPIOIDS?
How to test an UNKOWN substance or RCs?
and how to detect cuts or other adulterants:
How to detect LEVAMISOLE?
How to detect PMA/PMMA?
How to detect FENTANYL?
How to detect NBOMes?
HARM REDUCTION
A positive reaction does not indicate if the substance is safe. Due to abundance of MDMA on the market, the average pill content can be up to 182 mg (Belgium), about 1,5-2 doses. Remember to not overheat, drink water (0,3 l/h or 0,5 if dancing), replenish electrolytes and take breaks. Doses over 120 mg can be significantly dangerous and unpleasant. It is recommended not to exceed 200 mg in one sitting and take at least 2-3 month long breaks between using MDxx. Learn more at erowid.org.