Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is 50-100 times stronger than morphine. It is often mixed with other drugs, including heroin, cocaine, and counterfeit pills, and can be deadly even in small amounts. Fentanyl test strips are a simple and effective way to detect the presence of fentanyl in drugs, and can help prevent accidental overdoses. In this article, we will explore where to buy fentanyl test strips and how to use them safely.
Fentanyl Myths Vs Facts
What Are Fentanyl Test Strips?
- Fentanyl test strips are not a panacea, but they are a way for someone to know if fentanyl is present or not.
- Rapid fentanyl test strips (FTS), used to detect fentanyl in illicit drugs, may help inform people who use drugs about their risk of fentanyl exposure prior to consumption.
- Since 2019, 134,280 doses of NARCAN® have been distributed at no cost through community agencies to people who use opioids or drugs that could be mixed with opioids, and their families and friends.
- A local West Virginia center accepts babies suffering from opioid exposure, offering specialized care for drug-caused Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome.
Fentanyl test strips are small, portable devices that can detect the presence of fentanyl in drugs. They work by testing a small sample of drug residue or liquid, and can provide results in just a few minutes. Fentanyl test strips are easy to use, and can help individuals make informed decisions about drug use and reduce the risk of accidental overdoses.
Benzodiazepine Strip
In the past, many states didn’t allow people to own — or distribute — drug testing materials. In 34 states, and the District of Columbia, it’s legal to have fentanyl test strips, distribute them, or both. And even in states where it’s not strictly legal, people are rarely punished for using test strips.
Where to Buy Fentanyl Test Strips
SAMHSA’s mission is to lead public health and service delivery efforts that promote mental health, prevent substance misuse, and provide treatments and supports to foster recovery while ensuring equitable access and better outcomes. Test strips are available in more than 30 other states and Washington D.C., according to recent counts. In states where they’re legal for distribution, the strips are up for sale in pharmacies and frequently handed out for free at public health department centers, harm reduction clinics, and even college campuses. Fentanyl test strips are paper strips used to detect the presence of fentanyl in injectable substances, powders, and pills. The tests also check for many variations of fentanyl known as analogs.
Why Use Test Strips?
Fentanyl test strips are widely available online and in brick-and-mortar stores. Here are some places where you can buy fentanyl test strips:
- Online marketplaces: You can buy fentanyl test strips on popular online marketplaces such as Amazon and eBay. However, it is important to ensure that the seller is reputable and that the test strips are authentic.
- Syringe exchange programs: Syringe exchange programs often provide free fentanyl test strips to individuals who use drugs. These programs are designed to reduce the spread of HIV and other bloodborne diseases, and can be a valuable resource for individuals who use drugs.
- Health departments: Some health departments provide free fentanyl test strips to individuals who use drugs. Check with your local health department to see if they offer this service.
- Drugstores: Some drugstores, such as Walgreens and CVS, sell fentanyl test strips over the counter. However, availability may vary depending on your location.
It’s a strip that allows people who use street drugs such as cocaine and heroin to test whether their drugs are laced with fentanyl. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and John Cornyn (R-Texas) introduced the bipartisan Fentanyl Safe Testing and Overdose Prevention Act, which would help prevent deaths from fentanyl poisoning by increasing access to fentanyl test strips. This legislation would amend the Controlled Substances Act, which bans the use, sale, import, and export of drug paraphernalia, and make clear that testing strips for fentanyl and xylazine are not drug paraphernalia.
How to Use Fentanyl Test Strips
From March to June 2020, a total of 6 Massachusetts municipal police departments piloted FTS kit distribution during post–overdose outreach visits, community outreach, and related programming. The Police Assisted Addiction and Recovery Initiative developed the kits, trained departments, and oversaw implementation. The pilot evaluation involved site observations, process measures, and interviews with staff and kit recipients. For every kit distributed, there was approximately 1 health or support service or referral provided; 320 kits were distributed. Key themes from interviews were conceptualizing FTS as a tool, collaborations, and adaptations.
Are Fentanyl Test Strips Legal Where You Live?
Using fentanyl test strips is simple and straightforward. Here are the steps to follow:
- Collect a small sample of drug residue or liquid: Use a clean surface, such as a mirror or plate, to collect a small sample of drug residue or liquid. Be sure to use gloves to avoid contamination.
- Dip the test strip in the sample: Dip the test strip in the sample for about 15 seconds, making sure that the strip is fully submerged. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use.
- Wait for the results: Wait for the test strip to develop, which usually takes about 5 minutes. The strip will show one line if fentanyl is not present, and two lines if fentanyl is present.
- Dispose of the test strip properly: Dispose of the test strip properly, following local regulations and guidelines for hazardous waste disposal.
FAQs
UC San Francisco Volunteer Assistant Clinical Professor in Clinical Pharmacy Tessa Rife-Pennington, PharmD, BCGP, works at the San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center and with UCSF’s Addiction Research Program. In 2019, UCSF funded a successful pilot project to distribute fentanyl test strips to San Francisco veterans at the center. The pilot paved the way for similar projects at other Veteran Affairs’ centers nationwide. Nearly two-thirds of people who use drugs surveyed for this project had experienced an opioid overdose at least once, and 8 in 10 attributed their last overdose to fentanyl.
Q: Are fentanyl test strips accurate?
A: Fentanyl test strips are highly accurate, with a sensitivity of 99.5% and a specificity of 99.3%. However, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use to ensure accurate results.
Q: Can fentanyl test strips detect other drugs?
A: Fentanyl test strips are designed to detect the presence of fentanyl in drugs, and are not designed to detect other drugs. However, some test strips can detect other synthetic opioids, such as carfentanil and sufentanil.
Q: Are fentanyl test strips legal?
A: Fentanyl test strips are legal in most states, but some states have laws that restrict their use. Be sure to check with your local laws and regulations before using fentanyl test strips.
Q: Can fentanyl test strips prevent overdoses?
A: Fentanyl test strips can help prevent accidental overdoses by detecting the presence of fentanyl in drugs. However, they are not a substitute for other harm reduction strategies, such as using drugs in the presence of others, carrying naloxone, and avoiding mixing drugs.
Q: Where can I get more information about fentanyl test strips?
A: For more information about fentanyl test strips, visit the National Harm Reduction Coalition’s website at https://harmreduction.org/issues/fentanyl/fentanyl-test-strips/.
