Fact SheetFentanyl Test Strip Pilot
Understanding Fentanyl Test Strips
With the increasing prevalence of opioid use, particularly fentanyl, the need for harm reduction tools has become critical. Fentanyl test strips are an essential resource for individuals who use drugs, providing a way to detect the presence of fentanyl in their substances. This can significantly reduce the risk of overdose.
Where Can I Buy Fentanyl Test Strips?
When looking to purchase fentanyl test strips, there are several options available:
- Local Pharmacies: Many pharmacies now carry harm reduction supplies, including fentanyl test strips. It’s advisable to call ahead and inquire about availability.
- Online Retailers: Numerous online platforms sell fentanyl test strips. Websites like Amazon, eBay, and specialized drug testing supply stores offer these products.
- Nonprofit Organizations: Some local or national nonprofits focused on harm reduction may distribute fentanyl test strips for free or at a low cost. Organizations such as the National Harm Reduction Coalition often provide resources.
- Community Health Clinics: Local clinics that focus on addiction treatment may offer fentanyl test strips as part of their services. It’s beneficial to ask your healthcare provider for recommendations.
Importance of Using Fentanyl Test Strips
Fentanyl test strips are crucial because they:
More than 90% of participants reported willingness to use rapid test strips regardless of having ever overdosed, suggesting that rapid fentanyl testing is an acceptable harm reduction intervention among young people who use drugs in Rhode Island. Study follow-up is ongoing to determine whether, how, and under what circumstances participants used the rapid test strips and if a positive result contributed to changes in overdose risk behavior. The staggering increase in drug overdose deaths has been driven largely by the high prevalence of potent synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl, in the U.S. drug supply.
A test consists of a little white rectangle that you dip into a liquid substance that contains a drug, and it will test for whether fentanyl is present or not. You lay it flat, and — like a pregnancy test or like a COVID test — after two to five minutes, it will show results. In one study of 242 heroin users in British Columbia, 70 tested positive for fentanyl—and more than 50 of those hadn’t known they were using it. City to study use of fentanyl-detecting test strips by distributing them in exchange vans. Ashley Perry, Intervention Case Manager from Project Weber/RENEW, explains how to use a fentanyl test strip.
- This drug test can provide accurate and fast results as soon as 1 minute.
- Since xylazine is not an opioid, naloxone and other opioid antagonists do not reverse xylazine’s effect on breathing in the event of an overdose.
- Any drug in any form (powder, pill) you get from a dealer, friend or an online source could have fentanyl in it.
First, this study relied on self-reports and thus is limited by biases including social desirability and recall. In addition, we did not verify or confirm reported test strip results. Second, the study represents a convenience sample of young adults in Rhode Island who use drugs. In addition, Rhode Island is severely affected by the fentanyl overdose epidemic, and findings may not be generalizable to other regions of the country in which IMF is not as prevalent. Third, the small sample size of our study may not be generalizable to larger populations.
- Help identify the presence of fentanyl in substances, reducing the chance of accidental overdose.
- Empower individuals to make informed decisions about drug use.
- Contribute to overall public health by minimizing the risks associated with opioid use.
This education also included training on how to use drugs more safely (such as using with someone else, having naloxone, and using a smaller initial dose). Project LIFEis a pilot program by Columbus Public Health to reduce the rate of accidentaloverdose by limiting involuntary fentanyl exposure. Fentanyl testing strips area life-saving overdose prevention tool, empowering individuals who use drugs toknow if a substance has been contaminated with fentanyl and to take action toreduce the risk of overdose.
Illicitly manufactured fentanyl (IMF) is distributed in powder or tablet (pill) form through illegal drug markets. IMF is added to other drugs, especially opioids, because of its extreme potency. This makes drugs cheaper, more potent, more addictive, and more dangerous. Because of the War on Drugs, misguided public health policy, and laws punishing drug use, the unsafe drug supply is growing. Inconsistent purity and potent cuts ranging from vet medicine (e.g. xylazine) to strong fentanyl analogues (e.g. carfentanil) are just some of the many results of the criminalization of people who use drugs.
As a trusted community messenger, The Center is here to help connect you to resources and information about MPOX. Click here for some helpful FAQs that we have compiled from local, state, and federal health agencies, as well as information on the County’s next vaccination event this week. We will update our website as well as The Center’s Facebook and Instagram to share the latest updates. The Rapid Response™ Fentanyl Test Strip Kit (Liquid / Powder) is an easy to use, dipstick test.
These wounds have been reported from injecting, smoking, and snorting xylazine, and they can develop quickly. Xylazine wounds can take a long time to heal and require prolonged medical care. Test the presence or absence of fentanyl and many fentanyl analogs (very closely related drugs) using these urine drug tests off-label.
A synthetic opioid, fentanyl is often carefully prescribed by doctors to treat severe pain in people living with cancer, recovering from surgery or who are terminally ill. However, most fentanyl-involved deaths are due to illicitly made fentanyl, and a small amount is enough to cause an overdose. California has set aside $4 million to distribute fentanyl testing strips as part of Governor Gavin Newsom’s $1 billion overall plan to address the crisis. These agencies are receiving fentanyl test strip packages directly from the manufacturer. Each package contains one fentanyl test strip and instructions on how to use it.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do fentanyl test strips work?
The strips test for the presence of fentanyl by providing a color change in response to the chemical. Users mix a small sample of their substance with water and dip the strip in the solution.
2. Are fentanyl test strips accurate?
While fentanyl test strips can be effective in detecting the presence of fentanyl, they may not detect all analogs or other synthetic opioids. It’s important to understand their limitations.
3. Can I use fentanyl test strips for all substances?
Fentanyl test strips are primarily designed for powdered substances like heroin or cocaine. They are less effective with pills or other forms of drugs.
4. Is it legal to purchase fentanyl test strips?
In many places, it is legal to buy fentanyl test strips. However, it’s advisable to verify local laws regarding drug testing supplies.
5. What should I do if I test positive for fentanyl?
If a fentanyl test strip test comes back positive, consider not using the substance, or using it with extreme caution, ideally with someone who knows how to respond in the event of an overdose.
Conclusion
Fentanyl test strips are a vital tool in the ongoing effort to reduce the risks associated with drug use. They provide users with critical information, enabling safer choices when engaging with potentially dangerous substances. To find out where to buy fentanyl test strips, explore local pharmacies, online retailers, and community resources aimed at harm reduction. By utilizing these resources, individuals can take proactive steps toward their safety and well-being.
