AASUser24
New member
Testing your gear might be easier than you think, but it does require some understanding of chemistry. For those based in the USA, many universities offer analytical testing services to the public and industry for a fee. The key is to find a major public university with the necessary equipment. While smaller schools may also have this capability, larger institutions are more likely to have the resources needed.
For example, UC Berkeley, one of the most well-known universities, offers sample analysis using Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS). You can find their rates here: [UC Berkeley Rates for LC-MS](http://qb3.berkeley.edu/qb3/msf/rates.cfm). While the fees may seem steep at $153 per sample, it might be worth it if you're planning to buy larger quantities of gear. I've even heard of some people getting samples tested for free by networking with chemistry students, though this is far from a guarantee.
How Much Sample Is Needed?
You only need a tiny amount of your sample—just a single drop is enough. The LC-MS machines are incredibly sensitive and can detect even trace amounts of substances.
How Does LC-MS Work?
LC-MS works by separating the different components of a mixture and determining their molecular weights. For example, if you test a vial of Testosterone Enanthate (Test Enth), you should see a large amount of ions with a molecular weight of 401.31 (the molecular weight of the Test Enth molecule). This tells you the sample contains Test Enth. You don't need to tell the testing facility what your sample is—they typically test unknowns, so you simply need to request a mass of 401.31, and if that's what shows up, you know your sample is pure.
Real-World Example:
I recently had a sample of Syntrop DPL4fifty tested, which was supposed to contain both Testosterone Enanthate and Drostanolone Enanthate. The test confirmed the presence of Testosterone Enanthate, but there were no significant ions at 417.33, which would indicate the presence of Drostanolone Enanthate. In other words, the product was fake—despite containing a good amount of testosterone. This raises an important question: how can anyone be sure about what’s actually in their gear without proper testing?
Testing your gear ensures you know exactly what you’re putting into your body, which is critical for your health and training progress. Have you ever tested your gear?
For example, UC Berkeley, one of the most well-known universities, offers sample analysis using Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS). You can find their rates here: [UC Berkeley Rates for LC-MS](http://qb3.berkeley.edu/qb3/msf/rates.cfm). While the fees may seem steep at $153 per sample, it might be worth it if you're planning to buy larger quantities of gear. I've even heard of some people getting samples tested for free by networking with chemistry students, though this is far from a guarantee.
How Much Sample Is Needed?
You only need a tiny amount of your sample—just a single drop is enough. The LC-MS machines are incredibly sensitive and can detect even trace amounts of substances.
How Does LC-MS Work?
LC-MS works by separating the different components of a mixture and determining their molecular weights. For example, if you test a vial of Testosterone Enanthate (Test Enth), you should see a large amount of ions with a molecular weight of 401.31 (the molecular weight of the Test Enth molecule). This tells you the sample contains Test Enth. You don't need to tell the testing facility what your sample is—they typically test unknowns, so you simply need to request a mass of 401.31, and if that's what shows up, you know your sample is pure.
Real-World Example:
I recently had a sample of Syntrop DPL4fifty tested, which was supposed to contain both Testosterone Enanthate and Drostanolone Enanthate. The test confirmed the presence of Testosterone Enanthate, but there were no significant ions at 417.33, which would indicate the presence of Drostanolone Enanthate. In other words, the product was fake—despite containing a good amount of testosterone. This raises an important question: how can anyone be sure about what’s actually in their gear without proper testing?
Testing your gear ensures you know exactly what you’re putting into your body, which is critical for your health and training progress. Have you ever tested your gear?
