Cocaine Purity Testing Guide

The illegal drug market is unpredictable and dangerous. Substances sold as cocaine frequently contain adulterants—some harmless, some deadly. This guide provides factual information about cocaine purity testing methods, common adulterants, and harm reduction strategies. Understanding what’s in a substance can mean the difference between life and death.

Important: This information is for educational purposes only. See Cocaine guide for more information.

Why Purity Testing Matters

The Danger of Unknown Substances

Street cocaine is rarely pure. Studies consistently show that seized cocaine samples contain a variety of cutting agents and adulterants. Some are added to increase profits, others mimic or enhance effects, and some appear through cross-contamination.

Fentanyl: The Deadliest Threat

The most urgent reason to test cocaine is fentanyl contamination. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid 50-100 times more potent than morphine. Even microscopic amounts can cause fatal respiratory depression. Fentanyl has been found in cocaine supplies across North America and Europe, causing thousands of overdose deaths annually.

Other Health Risks

Unknown adulterants can cause:

• Allergic reactions

• Toxic effects when combined with other substances

• Long-term health damage

• Unexpected drug interactions

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Common Cocaine Adulterants

Levamisole

Levamisole is a veterinary deworming medication and one of the most common cocaine adulterants. Some studies suggest 70-80% of US cocaine contains levamisole.

Health Risks:

• Agranulocytosis (severe white blood cell drop)

• Increased infection risk

• Skin necrosis (tissue death)

• Joint pain and vasculitis

Fentanyl and Fentanyl Analogs

Synthetic opioids increasingly contaminate cocaine supplies.

Health Risks:

• Respiratory depression

• Overdose and death

• Rapid onset of effects

Caffeine

Caffeine is frequently added to cocaine to stimulate effects while reducing pure cocaine content.

Health Risks:

• Increased heart strain

• Anxiety and panic

• Insomnia

• Dehydration

Procaine and Benzocaine

These local anesthetics mimic cocaine’s numbing effect but lack euphoric properties.

Health Risks:

• Allergic reactions

• Methemoglobinemia (blood disorder)

• Heart irregularities

Lidocaine

Another anesthetic that creates numbing similar to cocaine.

Health Risks:

• Heart problems at high doses

• Seizures

• Nervous system effects

Creatine and Inositol

Dietary supplements used as bulking agents with no psychoactive effects.

Health Risks:

• Minimal direct toxicity

• Reduced potency leads to unpredictable redosing

Phenacetin

Banned painkiller formerly used in over-the-counter medications.

Health Risks:

• Kidney damage

• Cancer risk with long-term use

• Methoglobinemia

Mannitol

Sugar alcohol used as a cutting agent.

Health Risks:

• Minimal direct toxicity

• Gastrointestinal upset

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Types of Purity Tests

Reagent Testing Kits

Reagent testing involves applying a chemical solution to a small substance sample. The color change indicates the presence of specific compounds.

Common Reagents for Cocaine:

How to Use Reagent Kits:

1. Place a small sample (about 1-2 mg) on a clean white surface

2. Add 1-2 drops of reagent

3. Observe color change within 2-3 minutes

4. Compare to color chart provided with kit

5. Document results for reference

Limitations:

• Cannot determine exact purity percentage

• May not detect all adulterants

• Requires proper technique

• Some reagents expire

Fentanyl Test Strips

Fentanyl test strips are immunoassay tests that detect the presence of fentanyl and many fentanyl analogs.

How Fentanyl Strips Work:

1. Dissolve a small sample in water (according to instructions)

2. Dip test strip into solution

3. Wait 5 minutes

4. Read results (one line = positive for fentanyl; two lines = negative)

Important Considerations:

• Fentanyl strips detect most but not all fentanyl analogs

• Very high drug concentrations can cause false negatives

• Follow instructions precisely for accurate results

• Strips are single-use only

Advanced Laboratory Testing

For those seeking comprehensive analysis, laboratory testing services offer:

Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) :

• Identifies specific compounds

• Provides purity percentages

• Detects most adulterants

• Expensive ($100-150 per sample)

• Requires mailing sample

High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) :

• Quantifies specific compounds

• Useful for purity confirmation

• Similar cost and turnaround to GC-MS

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Step-by-Step Testing Protocols

Testing Cocaine for Fentanyl

Fentanyl contamination is the most immediate danger. Test for fentanyl before any other testing.

Materials Needed:

• Fentanyl test strips

• Clean water

• Small container

• Timer

Procedure:

1. Place a small amount of cocaine (equivalent to 10 mg) in clean container

2. Add 1/2 teaspoon of water (follow strip instructions for exact amount)

3. Stir gently to dissolve

4. Dip test strip into solution for 15 seconds

5. Remove and place on flat surface

6. Read results at exactly 5 minutes

7. Dispose of materials safely

Interpreting Results:

• One line: Fentanyl detected (high danger)

• Two lines: No fentanyl detected (within test limits)

• No lines: Invalid test, repeat with new strip

Comprehensive Reagent Testing

After fentanyl testing, reagent testing can identify cocaine and some adulterants.

Materials Needed:

• Marquis, Mandelin, and Scott reagents

• Clean testing surface (ceramic plate or testing tile)

• Small sampling tool

• Color chart

Procedure:

1. Place three small samples on testing surface (one for each reagent)

2. Add 1 drop of Marquis to first sample—observe color

3. Add 1 drop of Mandelin to second sample—observe color

4. Add 1 drop of Scott to third sample—observe color (look for blue layer)

5. Compare all results to color chart

6. Document findings

Expected Results for Pure Cocaine:

• Marquis: Orange to brown

• Mandelin: Yellow to green

• Scott: Blue layer (cocaine-specific)

Acetone Wash (Purity Improvement)

Some users perform an acetone wash to remove certain adulterants. This is a purification technique, not a test.

Materials Needed:

• 100% acetone (anhydrous, no water content)

• Coffee filter or fine filter paper

• Glass container

• Ventilated area (acetone fumes are flammable)

Procedure:

1. Dissolve cocaine in minimum amount of acetone

2. Filter solution through coffee filter

3. Allow acetone to evaporate completely

4. Collect remaining powder (some adulterants remain in filter)

5. Test purified product with reagents

Limitations:

• Removes some but not all adulterants

• Does not remove fentanyl

• Requires careful handling of flammable acetone

• May reduce overall quantity

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Interpreting Test Results

What Positive Results Mean

Fentanyl Detected:

• Substance is extremely dangerous

• High overdose risk even in small amounts

• Consider discarding substance

• If choosing to proceed (not recommended), use extreme caution with tiny test doses

• Have naloxone available

Cocaine Confirmed:

• Reagent tests indicate cocaine presence

• Does not guarantee purity

• Continue with fentanyl testing if not already done

• Consider additional testing for adulterants

Unexpected Results:

• Reagents indicate different substance than expected

• May be completely different drug (e.g., methamphetamine sold as cocaine)

• May contain multiple substances

• Proceed with extreme caution or discard

False Positives and Negatives

Reagent Testing Limitations:

• Some adulterants cause color interference

• Very dark samples can obscure results

• Expired reagents give inaccurate results

• User error affects outcomes

Fentanyl Strip Limitations:

• Some fentanyl analogs not detected

• Very high cocaine concentrations can cause false negatives

• Temperature and timing affect results

• Not all strips are equally sensitive

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Where to Obtain Testing Supplies

Reagent Test Kits

Several harm reduction organizations and commercial vendors sell reagent kits:

• Dancesafe: Non-profit offering testing kits and education

• Bunk Police: Vendor focused on festival harm reduction

• Elevation Chemicals: Reagent supplier with comprehensive kits

• ProTest Kit EU: European supplier

What to Look For:

• Fresh reagents with expiration dates

• Comprehensive kit including multiple reagents

• Clear color charts and instructions

• Positive community reviews

Fentanyl Test Strips

Fentanyl strips are available through:

• Local harm reduction organizations (often free)

• Dancesafe: Sells strips in bulk

• BTNX: Manufacturer of commonly used strips

• Amazon and online retailers: Quality varies, verify sources

Cost Considerations

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Safety Precautions During Testing

Handling Substances

• Work in well-ventilated area

• Wear gloves when handling samples

• Avoid inhaling powder

• Keep testing materials away from children and pets

• Dispose of tested samples safely

Reagent Safety

• Reagents contain strong acids and toxic chemicals

• Avoid skin and eye contact

• Do not ingest reagents or tested samples

• Store reagents in cool, dark place

• Follow disposal instructions for chemicals

Fentanyl Strip Safety

• Dispose of used strips and testing solution properly

• Wash hands after handling

• Keep strips away from moisture before use

• Do not reuse strips

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What to Do With Test Results

If Fentanyl Is Detected

1. Do not use the substance – Fentanyl contamination is unpredictable and deadly

2. Obtain naloxone if you don’t already have it

3. Alert others who may have the same supply

4. Dispose of substance safely – mix with coffee grounds or cat litter in sealed container

5. Seek support if struggling with substance use

If Significant Adulterants Are Found

1. Consider the risks of consuming unknown substances

2. If choosing to proceed (not recommended), use extremely small test doses

3. Never use alone

4. Have emergency plan and naloxone available

If Results Are Inconclusive

1. Repeat testing with fresh reagents or strips

2. Use larger sample size (within test guidelines)

3. Consider sending sample for lab analysis

4. Err on side of caution – don’t assume it’s safe

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I test cocaine after purchasing?

Yes, testing works on samples you already possess. However, testing after purchase only protects you for that batch—future batches require new testing.

How accurate are home test kits?

Reagent tests are generally accurate for identifying the presence of specific compounds when used correctly. They cannot measure purity percentage. Fentanyl strips are highly sensitive but may miss some analogs.

Do test kits expire?

Yes, both reagent chemicals and fentanyl strips have expiration dates. Expired tests may give inaccurate results. Check expiration dates before use.

Can I test a sample that’s already been used?

Testing requires a fresh, unused sample. Residue in pipes or paraphernalia may be contaminated and not representative.

What if my sample tests positive for multiple substances?

Multi-drug samples are increasingly common. This significantly increases health risks. Consider the combined effects before any use.

Are there mobile testing services?

Some communities offer mobile or pop-up drug checking services at events or through public health departments. Check local harm reduction organizations.

How much sample do I need for testing?

Most reagent tests need only 1-2 mg (barely visible amount). Fentanyl strips typically need 10 mg dissolved in water. Lab testing requires larger samples (50-100 mg).

Can I get in legal trouble for possessing testing supplies?

Testing supplies themselves are generally legal as they are used for educational and harm reduction purposes. However, possessing illegal substances remains illegal regardless of testing.

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Harm Reduction Resources

Naloxone Access

Naloxone (Narcan) reverses opioid overdoses and should be available wherever fentanyl contamination is possible.

• Free naloxone available through many public health departments

• Pharmacies in most states offer without prescription

• Mail-order programs through harm reduction organizations

Overdose Prevention

• Never use alone

• Start with small test doses

• Have naloxone nearby

• Call emergency services immediately if someone stops responding

Support Services

• SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357 (24/7)

• Never Use Alone Hotline: 1-800-484-3731 (call before using)

• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

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Conclusion

Cocaine purity testing is a harm reduction practice that provides information about potentially life-threatening adulterants. While testing cannot eliminate all risks, it offers valuable data for making informed decisions. The most dangerous substance in the illegal drug market is the one you know nothing about.

Remember that the only completely safe choice regarding illegal substances is not to use them. For those who choose otherwise, testing provides essential information that can reduce harm and save lives.