For a long time, the only available way to test the potency of psychedelic substances has been by sending a sample out to a lab. This process is expensive and it can take over one month to receive test results.
Generally, having access to at-home test kits is best practice in the harm reduction world. The inconvenience of high costs and long waiting periods can deter people from making informed decisions about their substance use, and that’s often the unfortunate case.
Up until this point, there was no reliable test for dried fungal matter, or mushrooms. At-home tests of any kind were limited to synthetic substances in powder form.
However, recent advancements in technology and scientific understanding have paved the way for more accessible and rapid methods of testing psychedelic substances, including mushroom material.
At-home testing kits are now available, allowing journeyers to analyze samples themselves and gain insights into the composition and purity of the substances they intend to consume.
Today, we’re going to put Miraculix QTests – the world’s first quantitative drug checking kits – to the test. We used QTests to determine the concentration of active ingredients in a sample of psilocybin mushrooms, MDMA, and LSD.
Then, using the same batch of substances, we sent samples to Energy Control International–a Spain-based lab that offers drug checking services. Once we had all of the results in hand, we got to comparing.
Did Miraculix QTests live up to our expectations? Could we trust QTests to deliver fast, accurate, and reliable results? The short answer – a resounding YES, but we’d like to give you the opportunity to make your own determination.
In the following sections, we’ll highlight important factors to consider, such as the cost of lab tests compared to QTests, the amount of time it takes to receive results, and the accuracy of each testing method.
We’ll share a step-by-step guide on how to use QTests, offer tips on how to make the process more efficient, and give you our honest review of the company and their products.
We’re pulling out all of the receipts to guarantee that each step is accompanied by our own images. We also include screenshots of the lab results provided to us by Energy Control, and links to non-affiliated QTest reviews by Reddit users.
Let us assure you that our endorsement is always contingent on personal verification. We would never recommend a product unless we could guarantee that it actually works.
This article is our fully transparent case study on how we determined the true accuracy and reliability of QTests. With all this groundwork in place, are you ready to roll? Let’s do it.
Disclaimer: All substances that appear in this article were QTested and photographed in the state of Oregon, where possession of small amounts of illicit drugs has been decriminalized.
What Is the Benefit of Knowing Psychedelic Potency?
Unlike conventional reagent kits that merely detect the presence of substances, QTests are the world’s inaugural quantitative reagent test kits. This innovative characteristic allows them to not only confirm the existence of a substance but also provide precise measurements of potency, presented in either milligrams or as a percentage.
For instance, they enable the determination of the exact milligram quantity of MDMA within an ecstasy tablet or the microgram content of LSD in liquid or blotter form.
Similarly, QTests can assess the percentage potency of substances like crystal or powder MDMA, as well as reveal the potency percentage of active components (such as psilocybin or THC/CBD) in dried mushrooms and cannabis, regardless of the quantity of homogenized material.
The potency of a psychedelic substance refers to the concentration of its active compounds, which directly influences the strength of its effects. Whether you are an individual considering personal use or someone exploring therapeutic applications, knowing the potency of the substance you are dealing with can have profound implications.
One of the most crucial aspects of consuming psychedelics is dosing. Different dosages can lead to vastly different experiences, ranging from mild euphoria and introspection to intense hallucinations and altered states of consciousness.
Knowing the potency allows users to accurately measure and adjust their dosage, tailoring their experience to their desired outcome.
This is particularly important to avoid potentially overwhelming or underwhelming experiences that could lead to discomfort or ineffective outcomes. For those of you who plan to microdose, being aware of the potency of your substance ensures consistent daily doses.
For Use by Clients of Psychedelic Passage
If you’re new to our website–hello, it’s a pleasure to meet you! We are Psychedelic Passage, a psychedelic concierge service that connects clients to trusted, pre-vetted facilitators from across the United States.
Our network of facilitators guide clients through all stages of the psychedelic therapy process, including preparation, ceremony, and integration. The one caveat to our services is that facilitators don’t provide the medicine, they rely on journeyers to source their own (except in Colorado).
So, although facilitators play a vital role in guiding informed decisions about dosage, there’s a certain level of uncertainty that can’t be eliminated unless all parties know the exact amount of active ingredient contained within their specified substance.
Now, journeyers who plan to participate in our microdosing program or ceremonial program, can come to their facilitator with an effective method for testing their chosen psychedelic substance. You can guarantee the administration of controlled and consistent dosages, optimizing the therapeutic benefits while minimizing potential risks.
Learn More About Our Network
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For harm-reduction purposes, we provide links to online psilocybin vendors, local stores, delivery services, and spore vendors for growing your own medicine at home.
The Cost of Lab Tests vs. At-Home Psychedelic QTests
Understanding the costs associated with testing the potency of psychedelic substances is a significant factor when considering how to obtain accurate and reliable results.
The cost of obtaining this information will vary widely depending on the method chosen. In this section, we’ll delve into the cost, time, and energy-based considerations of using both laboratory testing and at-home Miraculix QTest kits.
1. Cost Comparison
When it comes to testing the potency of psychedelic substances, traditional laboratory testing has long been the established method. However, it often comes with a significant financial investment.
Energy Control International—the lab we chose to employ—charges $120 euros or $130.44 US dollars for each type of substance tested, including psilocybin mushrooms, LSD, and MDMA. This meant that after testing a single sample of each substance, we paid $391.32.
On the other hand, Miraculix QTest offers a standardized pricing structure of $19.95 for each type of substance tested, which includes psilocybin mushrooms, LSD, and MDMA. Considering the same set of substances, testing each one with QTests would only cost a total of $59.85
If you’re curious about the extra charge noted on our Energy Control receipt for Sample ID 8464, check out “What is Psilomethoxin & Where Did it Come From?”. We got our hands on the controversial psychedelic substance–psilomethoxin, then we used QTests and a lab test to confirm if psilomethoxin really doesn’t contain psilocybin. Spoiler alert–it does!
2. Time Comparison
The time it takes to obtain results is a critical consideration, especially for individuals eager to gain insights into the potency of their substances. At-home testing with QTests offers a swift process, as each test can be completed within a reasonable timeframe.
For example, the psilocybin mushroom QTest process takes approximately 30 minutes, while the LSD and MDMA QTest processes took us exactly 15 and 14 minutes, respectively. The cannabis QTest process is even quicker, taking about 10 minutes.
In contrast, laboratory testing through Energy Control International involves a longer wait time. The results for the substances we submitted were staggered, with the MDMA lab results arriving on June 16th, the LSD results on June 23rd, and the psilocybin mushroom results on July 17th.
This indicates a significant wait of several weeks to a month and a half from the point of payment to receiving the results. To confirm this, please compare the payment date on our receipt above, to the analysis date on our lab results below.
3. Energy and Convenience
The energy expended during the testing process also plays a role in the overall experience. With Miraculix QTests, the convenience of having testing kits delivered to your doorstep eliminates the need to go through the process of packaging and shipping samples.
The at-home testing process is user-friendly and minimally taxing, with clear instructions provided for each step. Laboratory testing requires more involvement and energy expenditure.
Packaging and shipping substances to a lab, especially considering potential customs regulations, can be a process in itself. Additionally, constantly checking the lab portal for result updates can be time-consuming and tedious, especially when results are delivered over a span of several weeks.
How to Use Miraculix Psychedelic QTests: Step-by-Step Guide
The secret behind QTests is its four-fold process of Extraction, Reaction, Calibration and Evaluation.
Step 1. Extraction
QTests initiate the process by extracting the active ingredient from the substrate. While dissolving MDMA is relatively straightforward, extracting substances from mushrooms, cannabis, and blotter LSD poses unique challenges.
Dr. Felix Blei, German QTest developer, has developed specific extraction fluids for each substance. By carefully combining the material with the extraction fluid and employing gentle shaking and heating, QTests successfully suspend all active ingredients in the fluid.
Psilocybin QTest Extraction
LSD QTest Extraction
MDMA QTest Extraction
Step 2. Reaction
The next step involves combining the extraction fluid, now containing all the dissolved active ingredient, with a colormetric reagent that selectively reacts with the specific compound.
The intensity or saturation of the resulting color change corresponds to the concentration of the active ingredient. Higher concentrations produce more pronounced color reactions.
Psilocybin QTest Reaction
LSD QTest Reaction
MDMA QTest Reaction
Step 3. Calibration
QTests achieve remarkable accuracy by utilizing precisely measured volumes of liquids and carefully measured starting materials. The intensity of the color reaction is calibrated to reflect the actual concentration of the active ingredient.
Each QTest kit includes a graded color chart, enabling users to compare the color of the reaction vial and determine the potency of their sample accurately.
Psilocybin QTest Calibration
LSD QTest Calibration
MDMA QTest Calibration
Step 4. Evaluation
While QTests boast impressive accuracy, it’s important to note that some individuals may face challenges in correctly matching the color of the reaction vial with the corresponding bar on the color chart. In controlled volunteer studies, it was observed that participants occasionally misjudged the correct color bar by one step above or below.
As a result, accuracy may vary from high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) by approximately 10%. To minimize the chances of a 10% error, it’s recommended to conduct the evaluation in daylight or under very bright and white indoor lighting conditions.
So, Are Miraculix Psychedelic QTests Accurate?
In this section, we’ll be comparing lab test results for each substance with the results of our Miraculix QTest kits. To perform quantitative tests on our substances, Energy Control Labs used Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS), and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC-DAD).
Psilocybin Mushroom Test Results
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- Psilocybin Q-Test Result: According to our at-home test, there is approximately 1.1% psilocybin and psilocin combined in a 1-gram sample of our mushrooms.
- Psilocybin Lab Test Result: The lab analysis revealed a psilocybin content of 1.08% psilocybin and psilocin combined.
The results from the two tests are very close. The slight difference between the at-home test prediction and the lab test result is negligible.
Considering that both methods can fluctuate within 10% in accuracy, the minor variation is well within the acceptable range of variation. This indicates that Miraculix QTests are reliable tools for assessing the potency of your psilocybin mushrooms.
LSD Test Results
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- Miraculix Q-Test Result: The at-home test was a bit more subjective to evaluate based on the larger color difference between the color bar for 25ug and 50ug. We determined that the color was much closer to the 50ug color range than the 25ug and concluded that the sample likely contained about 40ug of LSD-25.
- LSD Lab Test Result: The lab test indicated that our sample contained 43ug of LSD tartrate and 4 µg of Iso-LSD Tartrate (which the Miraculix kits don’t test for).
Considering the margin of error within 10% for LSD Q-Tests and HPLC, these results are consistent with each other.
MDMA Test Results
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- MDMA Q-Test Result: The at-home test indicated that there are 28 mg of MDMA for every 30 mg of crystal. This can be represented as a ratio: 28 mg MDMA / 30 mg crystal.
- MDMA Lab Test Result: The lab test indicated that 89% of a 50 mg sample of crystals contained MDMA. This means that in a 50 mg sample, 89% (or 0.89) of it is MDMA, and the remaining percentage would be other components.
Now, let’s see if the results align:
To do this, we can calculate the amount of MDMA in the 50 mg sample based on the at-home test result (28 mg MDMA / 30 mg crystal) and compare it to the amount of MDMA indicated by the lab test (89% of 50 mg).
MDMA Miraculix QTest Calculation:
For every 30 mg of crystal, there is 28 mg of MDMA. In a 50 mg sample of crystal, how much MDMA would be expected?
(50 mg crystal) * (28 mg MDMA / 30 mg crystal) = 46.67 mg MDMA
MDMA Lab Calculation:
The lab test indicated that 89% of 50 mg of crystals is MDMA.
(50 mg crystal) * 0.89 = 44.5 mg MDMA
Now, let’s compare the calculated amounts of MDMA from both tests.
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- Miraculix QTest result: Approximately 46.67 mg MDMA
- Lab test result: 44.5 mg MDMA
The results from the two tests do not perfectly align, but they are very close. The difference between the at-home test prediction and the lab test result is not significant.
Given that the MDMA Miraculix Q-Tests have a margin of error within 10% of HPLC, the relatively small difference between the calculated amounts suggests that the results are within the expected range of variation and indicates that QTests are extremely accurate and reliable tools for testing the potency of your MDMA at home.
“As the results of all four QTests were independently verified by HPLC at the lab, the accuracy and reliability of Miraculix QTest kits are indeed evident, making them a valuable tool for individuals seeking to ensure the quality and potency of their psychedelic substances.”
Where to Buy Miraculix QTests
Alright, so we’ve covered all of the bases and your next question is–Where can I purchase Miraculix QTests. Well, if you live in the United States, ordering these kits is very simple.
The Miraculix QTest online storefront is the official US distributor of Miraculix quantitative tests–That’s Step 1 and Step Done! All you have to do now is add desired products to your cart and checkout whenever you’re ready.
Their website is clean, informative, and intuitive. Orders are shipped 5 days/ week, from Monday to Friday. They are dispatched either on the same day or the following business day upon receiving your order. You can also reach customer support via email and or by calling them over the phone.
Looking For Reagent Test Kits?
Reagent test kits are chemical solutions that react with various substances, producing color changes that can indicate the presence of specific compounds.
These tests are primarily qualitative, meaning they can tell you if a certain substance is present in a sample, but they generally don’t provide precise measurements of quantity or potency.
Reagent tests are often used to quickly identify the presence of certain substances, helping users detect potential adulterants or substitutions in their samples. Luckily, we’ve already dedicated an entire article to explore the best purity test kits for psychedelic therapy.
Fun Fact: Emanuel Sferios, the founder of DanceSafe–a popular reagent test kit and harm reduction company–is also the official US distributor of Miraculix QTests.
Additional Resources
Find Out What Others Are Saying About Miraculix QTests
By now, we’re likely all on the same page about Miraculix QTests–They’ve passed the cost test, the speed test, and the accuracy test. But how are others using QTests and what are their thoughts?
When we started doing research for this article, we realized that a good number of people from the Reddit community had carried out discussions about QTests. We thought it’d be beneficial to refer you over to those, in case they can offer more insight.
While you’re at it, consider following u/PsychedelicPassage on Reddit to share your questions when we host AMAs, receive updates on small projects like this one, and join the community of psychedelic curious folks!
Speak With a Trusted Psychedelic Therapy Provider
We sincerely hope that you’ve found valuable takeaways that resonate with your current intentions. To explore research-based education, stay updated with psychedelic news, and benefit from practical how-to articles, we encourage you to head over to our resources page.
If you’re seeking personalized advice and are prepared to take the first step toward a therapeutic psychedelic experience, we invite you to book a consultation with our team of experienced psychedelic concierges.
This consultation is more than just a conversation; it’s an opportunity to be matched with a trustworthy local facilitator. You’ll be seamlessly connected to our rigorously vetted network of psychedelic guides, ensuring potential matches align with your needs.
Psychedelic Passage offers confidence and peace of mind by alleviating the burden of having to guess who’s right for you. If you want to discover how Psychedelic Passage can help you, we empower you to learn more about our services and check out client testimonials from those who’ve gone before you.
Your healing path is uniquely yours, and our commitment is to serve you at every juncture. Psychedelic Passage: Your Psychedelic Concierge — The easy, legal way to find trustworthy psilocybin guides, facilitators and psychedelic assisted therapy near you in the United States.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Psychedelic Test Kits
Q: What’s the difference between quantitative and qualitative tests?
Quantitative tests and qualitative tests serve distinct purposes in the realm of substance testing. Quantitative tests, like Miraculix QTests, provide precise measurements of the potency of psychedelic substances.
These tests offer accurate information about the concentration of active ingredients, whether it’s in milligrams or as a percentage. For instance, they can tell you the exact milligram quantity of MDMA in a tablet or the percentage potency of psilocybin in dried mushrooms.
On the other hand, qualitative tests, often performed with reagent test kits, are designed to identify the presence of specific compounds in a sample. These tests rely on chemical reactions that produce color changes, indicating the presence of certain substances.
Q: Are there limitations to the accuracy of Miraculix QTests?
While quantitative test kits offer a valuable tool for assessing the potency of psychedelic substances, it’s important to note that they, like any testing method, have limitations.
These kits typically come with a margin of error, often within 10% of reference methods like High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). In fact, HPLC can fluctuate up to 10% in accuracy.
Factors such as variations in lighting conditions, user interpretation of color changes, and other external influences can contribute to minor deviations in results.
Despite these limitations, Q-Tests are still highly reliable tools for gaining insights into the potency of substances, helping users make more informed decisions about their usage while minimizing potential risks.
Q: Can at-home quantitative test kits distinguish between different strains of psilocybin mushrooms?
At-home quantitative test kits, like Miraculix QTests, are designed to provide quantitative measurements of the potency of active ingredients in a given sample. These kits cannot distinguish between different strains of psychedelic mushrooms.
The primary focus of these test kits is to give users an accurate measurement of the active ingredient’s concentration in the sample, allowing for informed dosing and harm reduction.
