Colorimetric testing is a form of on-the-spot substance analysis. The technology utilizes a series of reactive chemicals called reagents, which help confirm the presence of specific substances by color reaction. This type of testing has been widely used in law enforcement and customs interdiction for decades because it offers almost immediate visual confirmation. It can be used essentially anywhere to check for the presence of contraband. This technology has recently been adapted to anabolic steroid substances. In fact, I have cofounded a company called Colorimetrics, which has helped advance it to a point where it is a very effective for counterfeit detection. We market it under the brand name ROIDTESTTM. It is already distributed in seven countries, and I am proud to say is making a difference.
How ROIDTESTTM Works
As a colorimetric test, ROIDTEST relies upon basic chemistry to determine if a particular steroid is inside a sample. These tests are based on a strong acid, typically something like sulfuric acid. The acid breaks down the steroid, and catalyzes a reaction between its fragment(s) and certain additional component(s) in the solution. The result is a color change. In order to minimize false positives, we’ve worked with our partner forensics lab on extensive testing and retesting of the reagents against potential contaminants, carriers, and substitutes. Through this work, we’ve been able to develop a reliable system for identifying more than 20 different anabolic steroids.
The ROIDTEST reagents all come in clear ampules with a small level of fluid inside. To test a steroid, just break open the ampule and insert a small sample. These tests are highly sensitive, so it requires only a small amount. For injectables, just a few drops of oil and for pills, a match-head size of powder from the tablet or capsule is needed. The system can also test raw powders, as well as water-based steroids with special sample handling. After a few moments of mixing, a color reaction should be observed. Two different Substance Test ampules are typically used to test each drug. This provides a more reliable and distinct 2-part colorimetric fingerprint. Detailed photographs of the testing steps are included at the end of the photo library. Detailed photographs of the testing steps are included at the end of the photo library.
Strengths and Limitations
Colorimetric testing for anabolic/androgenic steroids has progressed to a point we can do the following with high confidence.
1. Confirm presence of labeled steroid. It is unlikely that other substances will produce the same set of color reactions to these reagents as the tested steroid. A matching set of reactions presumptively confirms the steroid is present in the sample.
2. Exclude presence of labeled steroid. These colorimetric reactions are a function of basic chemistry. If the expected color reaction is not noticed, it is reasonable to conclude that the labeled steroid is not present in a sample.
3. Exclude presence of any common steroid. Given the high sensitivity of colorimetric testing, if no color reaction is noticed from the recommended set of tests, it is also reasonable to conclude that none of the 20+ tested common steroids is present in the sample. These all react in varying ways to the reagent sets.
4. Identify substituted steroid. If a different set of color reactions is noticed than expected, the fingerprint may be consistent with another anabolic steroid. These reactions can be crossreferenced, and presumptive identification of another steroid made. For example, it is easy to tell when methandrostenolone has been put into oxandrolone tablets. The reactions are quite distinct for each, and would never be confused.
There are also some limitations to Colorimetric Testing. They are summarized as follows.
1. Results are not conclusive. Even though these tests are quite reliable, we don’t consider them a substitute for laboratory analysis. This would be needed to make a true assessment of a substance’s chemical makeup. It is always possible some other, unknown steroid, drug, or other substance is present. Likewise, legal determinations (such as arrest or prosecution) should never be based on presumptive testing.
2. Qualitative, not Quantitative. Colorimetric testing can tell you with high confidence if a particular steroid is present (referred to as qualitative testing), but not how much is in the sample (quantitative). If you want to know how much is in a product, you need to send it to a lab for thorough analysis. While a limitation, it is also important to note that drug substitution appears to be more common than blatant underdosing. This is because consumers tend to notice underdosing more easily.
Their cycle is ineffective in this case. It is much harder to determine the difference between nandrolone and methenolone, or stanozolol and oxandrolone, for example. This often goes unnoticed without some type of testing.
3. Doesn’t test Safety. Colorimetric testing can’t tell you if there are bacteria in your sample, or make any other evaluation of the safety of a product. These tests are very helpful when it comes to checking a basic steroid, but nothing replaces full lab analysis if you want to examine everything that could be in a sample.
When To Test
Unfortunately, this is the new reality if you live and train in most Western countries. The vast majority of anabolic steroids sold on the black market these days are made in underground labs. Many lab operators work diligently and careful to produce safe and effective products. However, at the same time there is tremendous financial incentive to cut corners. This includes both the lab operators, and the underground companies that supply them with raw materials. It is very common for cheap drugs to be substituted for more expensive ones along the way. If you plan to use black market products, it is a good idea to regularly check the reliability of your sources to help assure that you are getting what you pay for.
One of the best ways to check a source is to test something expensive. Oxandrolone is a very good choice.
It is almost universally available, expensive, and produces a distinct colorimetric fingerprint that you really can’t confuse for anything else. Trenbolone is another excellent choice, expensive and found everywhere these days. It is really quick to check too. Trenbolone produces an immediate deep purple color reaction to ROIDTESTTM Substance Test D. You’re not going to confuse it with other AAS. Below are common steroid raw material costs, as taken from an underground supplier’s price list. This should help you find some other steroids to test the next time you are shopping.
Summary
Nothing is certain in today’s market. Pharmaceutical diversion from legitimate suppliers is costly, unreliable, and uncommon. As such, underground manufacturing dominates the supply chain. Presumptive colorimetric testing can be an effective way to help check your products for legitimacy, and keep ongoing tabs on your suppliers. The money you’d spend on a couple of test kits here and there can save you quite a lot more in the form of bad purchases. Just keep in mind what it can and cannot do. A pass is not a guarantee you have sterile or safe product. But it is a good way to see if you are really buying X, Y, or Z steroid. After all, if there are issues at the most fundamental level of product assembly (putting the right steroid in the bottle), then it is fair to expect quality control issues elsewhere.