Abstract: A self-contained unit test for qualitative identification of suspect substances including cocaine, heroin and cannabis, includes a visualization reagent having a compound which undergoes a visible color change when contacted by a suspect substance. The unit test further includes a pad formed from a bibulous material impregnated with the reagent and a unit package for containing the pad and maintaining the reagent in an as-filled, ready-to-use state during storage. A method for visualization of a suspect substance with a unit test of the present invention includes providing a unit test for a suspect substance which includes a visualization reagent for qualitative identification of a suspect substance impregnated on a pad formed from a bibulous material, and scaled in a unit package. The method further includes opening the package, and wiping the pad on as sample containing the suspect substance.