GET ALL TOOLS

Get your sample, reagent (Ehrlich Reagent) ampoule, a sharp tool / scoop and paper towels.

PREPARE SAMPLE, ABOUT THIS BIG -> ●   

If testing blotter or gel tab use at least 1/4th of a piece. If testing a pill, powder or crystal, crush it finely. If testing a liquid, dry one drop on paper or clean ceramic surface. A bigger sample can cause a stronger reaction. You need a new sample for each test.

ADD PREPARED SAMPLE TO REAGENT

Break open glass ampoule by gently pushing bottom of plastic cap outwards with your thumb pointing down. Do not crush the glass ampoule, after a few soft pushes and 10-20 seconds of trying the ampoule head will snap off without any effort. Add small (at least 1/4th of a gel tab or blotter piece) sample inside glass ampoule, stir to combine.

OBSERVE FOR AT LEAST 30 MINUTES

Disregard any color change after 60 minutes. Even if only the sample turned purplish that counts as a positive result. Do not overinterpret your results, consider that color change reaction is always fastest and most vivid in the part where biggest surface of reagent touches sample, compared to its edges. Over time reaction will degrade due to air contact. Take photos.

COMPARE RESULTS

Compare color change with instructions. Reagents can indicate PRESENCE, but not QUANTITY. Adulterants can be detected with reagents only if they cause a darker color change than the expected substance. inside plastic tube and dispose safely.

Scroll down for Ehrlich reagent results chart.