Many peroxide test strips, including the brand sold at Biochem Stores, require a different method of testing organic solvents. Often, when testing organic solvents, you must add a drop of water to the test strip after dipping it in the solution and allowing the solution to dry. This includes common peroxide formers such as diethyl ether, THF, dioxane and vinyl ethers. Make sure you read the directions on the container insert carefully for the brand of strips that you have; this information is often not on the container itself.

Remember that test strips do expire. Throw out expired strips and buy new ones. The cost of replacing test strips is much lower than the cost of a high hazard disposal team. Yes, labs are charged for special disposal.

Check out the peroxide former website for test schedules, a longer list of peroxide formers, and more information: https://ehs.research.uiowa.edu/peroxide-formers.