Over the years the tests have become more sophisticated, with users now being able to potentially identify a greater number of substances, as well as differentiate between drugs such as MDMA, MDA and MDE — something that wasn't able to be done in the past.
But what are these tests actually telling the user? Do they provide us with useful information that is able to determine a certain degree of safety?
It is important to be aware that an ecstasy tablet rarely contains only one substance. Often one tablet can contain many different substances, some of which are not even identifiable to the highly skilled analysts who work in the government laboratories, let alone simple tests such as these. In the past, these tests were only able to identify the presence of one substance. Even though this has now changed and there are kits available that can provide additional information based on further testing, this does not mean the user has all the information about what may be contained in the pill, tablet or powder.
Unfortunately, some people using these kits identify MDMA and then incorrectly assume this means the tablet is safe. There are two problems with this. First, MDMA is not a safe drug — there are risks associated with its use, primarily around dehydration and overheating, but it can also lead to fatal overdose in some cases. It's rare, but it can happen. Second, there may be other substances not even identified by the kit that are more harmful than MDMA.
It is important to remember that ecstasy-testing kits, or any other drug-testing kits for that matter, provide some information about what is in the drug you are taking, not everything ... and even if you do know exactly what is in the pill or powder there is no guarantee of how you are going to react once you've taken it. Of course, having more information about the contents of an illegal drug is useful, especially if a particularly dangerous substance such as PMA is identified, but don't be fooled — there are no guarantees and no short-cuts when it comes to drug use. No drug is 100% safe, regardless of whether you know what is in it or not.