Can't afford GC/MS lab testing, but curious about testing your gear at home with those DIY "RoidTest" or "LabMax" kits? Good idea! Whether you've purchased from us or a competitor, it's always reassuring to know that what you're putting in your body is in fact what the label says it is! These kits are relatively simple to use, but require strict adherence to the instructions.
On occasion we've had customers request re-sends because their product didn't pass their home-test kit. Sometimes this is simply user error, but other times the customer is attempting to game a free re-send. Because of bad actors like this, we've instituted a necessary policy change: If you intend to submit a claim based on your home test result, photos are not sufficient. You need to film a video of your test from start to finish (un-edited - no Hollywood swaps please), capturing the following chain of events:
For examples of how to film these tests, see the videos below.
Why test at home? #
Performing your own tests at home is a cost-effective option for many to ensure their product is what it claims to be, however there are some limitations of these kits:
PROS #
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CHEAP
Home Test kits can be found online for less than $30USD+shipping.
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PRIVATE
Nobody has to know!
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FUN!
Why pay the lab techs to have all the fun? Doing it yourself is much cooler.
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SAVES PRODUCT
These tests are highly sensitive, and require LESS THAN ONE MILLIGRAM of active ingredient to show a reaction (This doesn't include the weight of the oil or filler powder, so still measure). By comparison, a proper lab typically requires you submit quite a larger sample size.
CONS #
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Cannot identify contaminants
Biological contamination can arise from both faulty asepsis setup and improper filtration. Risks include mold, bacteria, heavy metals, unreacted manufacturing byproducts, and other organic contamination.
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Does not quantify inactive ingredients
The inactive ingredient profile of any substance plays a large part in user experience. While solvents are required to suspend many compounds, inferior UGLs and even some legitimate pharmaceutical manufacturers use an EXCESS to guarantee suspension in solution. That "test flu" might actually be a buildup of solvent in your body. Remember, Big Pharma gets away with making Test Cyp in 100% Ethyl Oleate because TRT is typically prescribed at VERY LOW DOSES. Just because it's cheap doesn't mean it's designed to be injected 2-3 ampules per week! This being said, at-home test kits won't tell you anything in this regard.
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Does not account for excipients, binders, and fillers
All oral drugs (whether capsules or pressed tablets) contain binders and fillers. Each manufacturer will use a different filler profile, which will skew test results in many cases. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is commonly used, and definitely throws off the results of any test that is affected by pH.
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Prone to user error
Many users follow the instructions as a "guide", but do not follow them exactly. Dumping a "little bit" of powder into the testing vessel is a sure way to spoil the test. Don't have a milligram scale? Read on...
