Our Mission: Bringing Information for Safer Decisions

At miraculix, one of our missions has always been to provide people with the most accurate and comprehensive information before they make any decisions regarding substance use. This commitment led us to develop the QTest, which can quickly determine the concentration of active compounds in substances with a small sample size and from the comfort of home. To take this even further, we’ve integrated cutting-edge technology into the drug-checking process: the QTest Photometer.

What is a Photometer?

A photometer is a device that measures light intensity, specifically detecting how much light is absorbed or transmitted by a sample at specific wavelengths. This data is used to calculate the concentration of a substance, making photometers essential tools in many scientific fields. In the context of drug checking, a photometer offers precise data on the concentration of active ingredients like MDMA or psilocybin, providing crucial information for both researchers and users about the potency of their sample.

Image edited. Original drawing from https://theory.labster.com/de/spectrophotometer/

Reference: The regulation of thioredoxin system in cells under oxidative stress - Scientific Figure on ResearchGate. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Bradford-assay-standard-curve-for-microtiter-plate-format-with-bovine-serum-albumin-as_fig16_48259464 [accessed 19 Sept 2024]

The Spectrophotometer: A Foundational Tool in Science 

The spectrophotometer has been a foundational instrument in scientific research for decades, dating back to the early 20th century. It has been applied in diverse fields such as pharmacology—to measure drug concentrations, the Bradford assay—for protein quantification, and water quality analysis.

This method is widely recognized for its accuracy in scientific applications like environmental testing, pharmacology, and clinical diagnostics. Spectrophotometry measures how much a chemical substance absorbs light by quantifying the intensity of color changes during reactions.This precision makes it a powerful tool in many basic scientific techniques.

Miraculix: Pioneering Spectrophotometry in Drug Checking

Miraculix has been a pioneer in applying this advanced technique to drug-checking. Our scientist, Dr. Felix Blei, envisioned combining the technology behind our QTest with the precision of spectrophotometry to revolutionize the drug-checking process. The idea was simple but groundbreaking: to offer users a method not only for identifying substances but also for accurately measuring their concentration. By merging these two techniques, we provide a powerful, reliable tool for harm reduction.

Why Use a Photometer in Drug Testing?

As the market for substances becomes increasingly risky, with dangerous adulterants often present, simply knowing what is in a sample is not enough—you need to know how much. Misjudging the potency of a substance can lead to serious health consequences. That’s why miraculix pioneered the use of photometry in drug testing. Our QTest Photometer allows users to detect both the presence of a substance and its exact concentration.

Photometric analysis provides a scientifically validated approach to quantitative analysis, offering a significant advantage over traditional reagent tests, which only give qualitative results (yes/no). This level of precision helps users make informed, safer decisions.

The Evolution of the QTest Photometer: From Concept to Reality

The journey toward creating the QTest Photometer began with a vision by our scientist, Dr. Felix Blei, to merge the simplicity of our QTests with the precision of spectrophotometry. Early collaborations with IPHT led to a prototype, but we aimed to push this further by creating a portable, user-friendly device that anyone could use, regardless of their scientific background.

Collaboration with IO Rodeo: Bringing the Photometer to Life

Our collaboration with IO Rodeo, experts in open-source hardware for research, was essential in realizing this vision. Together, we developed a photometer specifically tailored for drug checking, which is both highly accurate and easy to use. After several development phases, we achieved a product that is portable and accessible to non-scientists.

Introducing the QTest Photometer: Precision Meets Simplicity

One of the key features of the QTest Photometer is its user-friendliness. We designed it so that anyone—whether or not they have a scientific background—can use it without difficulty. Our users have found the process simple and straightforward, requiring no prior experience with scientific tools.

Key Features of the QTest Photometer for Drug Analysis

The QTest Photometer is packed with features that make it an essential tool for anyone looking to ensure their safety through drug quantification. Here are some of the key attributes:

  • Portability and Mobile Use: With a rechargeable battery, the QTest Photometer is designed for use anywhere—from harm reduction booths at festivals to personal use at home.
  • Wavelength Accuracy: Operating at specific wavelengths (e.g., 595 nm) ensures precise measurements of colorimetric reactions.
  • High Accuracy: The device provides laboratory-level precision, giving exact concentrations of active compounds like MDMA or psilocybin.
  • Dilution Series Support: The photometer allows for testing a range of concentrations, making it adaptable for different types of samples.

How to Use the QTest Photometer: A Step-by-Step Guide

Using the QTest Photometer is simple, even for those with no prior scientific experience. Here’s a quick overview of how the process works:

  • Prepare the Sample: Perform a Qtest of the desired substance to be analyzed
  • Activate the Device and Blank: Turn on the photometer and blank.
  • Insert the Sample into the Photometer: Place the prepared sample in the photometer's cuvette.
  • Read the Results: The device will provide a quantitative readout of the concentration of the active compounds.
  • This process takes just minutes, offering users a fast, efficient way to test the potency of their substances. Have a look in our video tutorial.

Why Precision Matters: Photometry vs. Traditional Drug Testing Methods

Traditional drug testing methods, such as reagent tests, typically provide qualitative results, meaning they can tell you whether a substance is present, but not in what quantity. This approach is limited, especially when the goal is harm reduction. Photometric analysis, by contrast, offers quantitative results—precisely measuring how much of an active compound is in the sample.

This level of detail is crucial for making informed decisions. A small misjudgment in dosage can lead to overdoses or other health risks, particularly with potent substances like MDMA or LSD. The QTest Photometer provides a scientifically validated approach that surpasses the limitations of traditional methods.

Future Developments: Expanding the Range of Substances for Testing

While the QTest Photometer currently supports substances like MDMA, LSD, and psilocybin, miraculix is continuously working to expand its range of applications. Our goal is to offer a comprehensive set of testing kits for a broader array of substances, ensuring that users have access to accurate and reliable data, no matter what they are testing.

We are actively developing new kits to include more substances, staying committed to our mission of providing cutting-edge technology for safer substance use. So stay tuned!

Real-World Applications: How the QTest Photometer Enhances Harm Reduction

The QTest Photometer has already made significant strides in the field of harm reduction. It has been deployed in drug-checking booths at festivals, and even in personal home settings. In these environments, users can quickly and accurately determine the concentration of active substances, enabling them to make safer decisions about their substance use.

One of the standout applications of the QTest Photometer is its ability to provide results for substances like MDMA and psilocybin in just minutes. This fast and reliable feedback is crucial in situations where time is of the essence, such as during festivals or other high-risk settings.

What Can You Do with the QTest Photometer?

  • Want to know the exact MDMA content in your pill?
  • Curious about the psilocybin concentration in your magic mushrooms?
  • Need to test large quantities?

Our photometer is designed for exactly these needs, giving precise, reliable results in just minutes.

Get Your Own QTest Photometer Today!

Ready to take your drug-checking process to the next level?

 Order your QTest Photometer today and experience the power of precise, at-home drug analysis.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! It’s designed to be user-friendly, even for those without a scientific background.

The photometer provides results in just minutes after testing.

Currently, QTest kits are available for MDMA, LSD, and psilocybin, with more tests coming soon.