alpha-Pyrrolidinovalerophenone (also known as α-PVP, A-PVP, alpha-PVP, and Flakka) is a synthetic stimulant substance of the cathinone and pyrrolidine chemical classes.1α-PVP may be quantified in blood, plasma or urine to confirm a diagnosis of poisoning in hospitalized patients or to provide evidence in a medicolegal death investigation. It generally comes in the form of either a crystalline powder or crystallized shards which users can ingest to produce powerful but short-lived euphoric stimulant effects which are comparable to those of methamphetamine and cocaine when insufflated or vaporized. α-PVP has been reported to be the cause, or a significant contributory cause of death in suicides and overdoses caused by combinations of drugs. It has also been linked to at least one death where it was combined with pentedrone and caused heart failure.
The α-PVP Rapid Test Dipstick (Urine) is a rapid urine screening test that can be performed without the use of an instrument. The test utilizes a monoclonal antibody to selectively detect elevated levels of alpha-Pyrrolidinovalerophenone in urine. The α-PVP Rapid Test Dipstick (Urine) yields a positive result when alpha-Pyrrolidinovalerophenone in urine exceeds 500ng/mL.