Alpha-CAT Mini-Lab Cannabinoid Test Kit (80 tests)

What is ALPHA-CAT?

Alpha-CAT, or Cannabinoid Analysis Tool, uses a simple analytical method of thin layer chromatography (TLC) in conjunction with specific thin layers and a development solution.

Thanks to this new protocol, the main active compounds in cannabis can be visually displayed through a highly specific staining reaction that indicates the presence of cannabinoids in a given cannabis sample or product. Six (6) major cannabinoids found in cannabis can be detected and identified using alpha-CAT analysis:

• kanabidiol (CBD)
• kanabinol (CBN)
• tetrahydrokanabinol (THC)
• tetrahydrokanabivarin (THCV)
• kanabigerol (CBG)
• kanabichromen (CBC)

The test sample requires a minimal amount of material (0.1 grams) and thanks to the unique and efficient analysis of the cannabinoid profile of various substances, whether plant parts, trichome resins, extracts, tinctures and snacks (ice cream, biscuits, teas...).

The alpha-CAT kit will help you to estimate the effect of any particular variety based on these aids:

    A reference scale of THC and CBD content with which to determine the strength and potency of a given sample;
    a chemotype/cannabinoid profile that places the strain in a specific category;
    a chemotype action chart to indicate what pharmacological effect to expect;
    a list of symptoms and their treatments, which will help you determine which variety will best achieve relief from a particular symptom.

Alpha-CAT Mini-Lab Test Kit

20 test plates

Number of tests*:

    THC & CBD analysis: 20 to 80
    Chemotype fingerprint: 20

* Each test plate allows testing in 4 lanes. A complete analysis of 1 variety will use all 4 lanes. 1 strip is sufficient to obtain a chemotype fingerprint of the variety being tested and therefore a total of 4 varieties can be tested on 1 test plate.

The following items must be provided by the user

    samples of cannabis or cannabis products (e.g. biscuits, ice cream, cakes, etc.)
    a well-ventilated working room (a hood with a filter is recommended)
    a digital scale

ALPHA-CAT test protocol

The alpha-CAT system can simultaneously separate cannabinoids and provide a chemical profile of each sample using a simple and inexpensive method. The alpha-CAT method separates some neutral and acidic forms of cannabinoids, which are clearly distinguished from each other by brightly coloured spots.

The chemotype profile shows the number of cannabinoids and their relative concentration. The higher the concentration, the larger and more brightly coloured the stain. With alpha-CAT you can determine the presence of cannabinoids in each sample and determine the content of each individual cannabinoid by its concentration in the sample.

The alpha-CAT test allows anyone, even non-scientists, to determine the active cannabinoid profile in a wide range of medicines (flowers, resins, concentrates, cosmetics, tinctures, snacks and most cannabinoid-containing products in general).

When the test plate is immersed in the dye solution, coloured spots immediately appear on it. The number of different spots depends entirely on the plant used (i.e. its genetics) and the environmental influences during cultivation. The larger the stain, the higher the concentration.

The combination of different stains is called the chemotype of a particular plant (or variety). Samples obtained from it, such as dried flowers, edibles, extracts and hashish, vary somewhat in their composition and will therefore not have the same cannabinoid profile (or fingerprint). Each coloured spot on the plate represents one cannabinoid.

Calibration scale for THC & results on the test plate. Use the calibration scales included in the kit to determine the correct result.

The combination of all cannabinoids present in a particular strain is then used to derive both its pharmaceutical effects and commonly reported side effects. The spectrum of effects ranges from a total 'stoned' type of high (under the influence of THC) to a heavy, 'stoned', narcotic and sleepy state after varieties that are low in THC compared to high CBD and CBG or high in CBD and CBG overall. Even small variations in the THCV, CBG and CBC cannabinoid content of different varieties mean huge differences in how their effect is perceived.

Sativa varieties - the THC effect (activity, energy) outweighs the indica effect

Indica varieties - CBG, THCV & CBD effects predominate leading to a feeling of relaxation (grounded, sleepy)

Safety recommendations

    The alpha-CAT® kits fully comply with the WHO regulations on the safety and quality of herbal medicinal products (WHO/PHARM/92.559).
    Their methods comply with the regulations and recommendations of the Codex Alimentarius Commission of the Food and Agriculture    Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
    All kits follow the principles set out in the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) system.

Alpha-CAT kits contain containers of chlorinated hydrocarbons, which are labelled as hazardous. The following precautions must be observed at all times:

•     Proceed with caution.
•     Always wear gloves to protect your skin.
•     Avoid contamination of test plates
•     Do not inhale

Read the entire manual carefully before starting the tests! If you have any questions, please contact us.

In the package you will find:

•     Hard travel case
•     Accurate weight to 0.001 g
•     20 TLC plates for 4/5 samples per plate
•     20 capsules of powdered dye
•     3 vials of test liquid (150 ml)
•     1 Development Jar/Jar
•     80 centrifuge reaction tubes
•     1 Reaction tube rack (24 holes)
•     1 micropipette pump with adjustable volume
•     1 tweezers
•     100 micropipetting tips
•     5 standard 3ml pipettes
•     1 Soaking Tray
•     1 30ml beaker
•     20 pairs of protective gloves
•     Rulers for measuring cannabinoids - CBD, THC, CBN, CBC and THCV
•     1 User Guide

 

Alpha-CAT Cannabinoid Analysis Test kit demo from Alpha Cat on Vimeo.