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Understanding Fentanyl Test Strips
Another respondent provides an example of how he used FTS to avoid consuming of fentanyl adulterated drugs. One respondent proceeded to not use his drugs because of fear of overdose. Like other respondents, knowledge of fentanyl adulteration led to fentanyl avoidance. Those tests opened my eyes, and it has saved my life, and I can gladly say I haven’t taken any more because I was going to take two bags. If I had took those two bags, I think I wasn’t even going to be here right now (Respondent 39, male of non-disclosed race, age 28, residue testing group). Interviews were transcribed by four members of the research team.
- The amount of water needed depends on the specific drug being tested.
- Further studies should examine which fentanyl analogs are able to be detected in urine or drugs and to what degree of sensitivity.
- When I say in front of them, I mean the dealers or whoever I was sourcing the product from…
- Of those who detected fentanyl, more than 40% decided to use a smaller amount of the drugs or to go more slowly to reduce their risk of overdosing.
- SB 174 also increases criminal penalties for manufacturing or distributing fentanyl and for committing battery against a healthcare provider.
In some cases, a person’s chest may become very stiff (called “chest wall rigidity” or “wooden chest”). This can make it harder for the victim to breathe and for a responder to do chest compressions. When we look at people who are dying with multiple substances present, the vast majority of the time they also have fentanyl present. It’s hard to know if they were intentionally using multiple substances simultaneously or if it was an unintentional exposure. Similar to other participants, another respondent described her response to a positive FTS result.
If there was a like test strip you know that you could mix a bit of your heroin, or what you think is heroin in water and dip the strip in it, and something like that, you know, like to be able to test it before you use it. Because, you know, afterwards it could be too late, you know (Respondent 13, male of non-disclosed race, age 22). When I say in front of them, I mean the dealers or whoever I was sourcing the product from… It was easy to do it in front of them, show them how it works, show them that it’s effective even with just the residue in the baggie (Respondent 54, white male, age 23, residue testing group).
The rise in opioid-related overdoses has led to increased awareness of the importance of testing substances for the presence of fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid. Fentanyl test strips (FTS) are an easy-to-use tool that allows individuals to test their drugs to see if they contain fentanyl.
Second, though interviews varied in length, they generally did not last more than 15 min. Beyond this pilot project, future studies could conduct longer interviews with participants, which may allow for a more nuanced understanding of the influence and effect of FTS utilization on behavior change among young PWUD. Third, discussions of how drug use changed following a positive FTS result could be affected by social desirability bias. Additionally, selection bias may have occurred due to healthy screenee bias [68], in which PWUD who want to avoid fentanyl may be more likely to enroll in a study of FTS.
We suggest calling ahead to confirm inventory and in the case of pharmacy access, request information about co-pay. This material provides you with steps to see if drugs contain fentanyl using testing strips. 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.
These test strips can help prevent accidental overdoses by providing users with valuable information about the substance they are about to consume.
If you’re using pills, you’ll need to crush a pill on a clean surface before dissolving it in 1 tablespoon of water. If you plan to use IV drugs, prepare the shot, set the needle aside, and add about one-fifth teaspoon of water to the spoon/cooker with the drug. When you use an illegal drug, there’s no guarantee that it contains what the dealer or person who gave it to you says it does. The only way to know if a drug has been contaminated with it is to test it. There are a few ways to test for fentanyl in a drug sample, but the easiest (and only do-it-yourself) option is to use a test strip.
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Where to Buy Fentanyl Test Strips
Another participant described handing out 5–6 of her test strips to people she knew from the methadone clinic, who had previously mentioned wanting to know if fentanyl was in their drug supply. In general, participants expressed positive opinions regarding FTS, stating that they were easy to use and that they provided valuable information regarding the presence or absence of fentanyl in a drug sample. Respondents stated that the FTS were useful especially when a drug supply source was not trusted by the participants.
For those looking to purchase fentanyl test strips, several options are available. Here are some places to consider:
- Online Retailers: Websites like Amazon, eBay, and specialized health stores often stock fentanyl test strips. Make sure to buy from reputable sellers to ensure product quality.
- Local Pharmacies: Some pharmacies may carry fentanyl test strips, especially in areas heavily affected by the opioid crisis. Checking with your local pharmacy or a chain store can be beneficial.
- Harm Reduction Organizations: Non-profit organizations focused on harm reduction often distribute fentanyl test strips for free or at a low cost. These organizations can provide additional resources on safe drug use.
- Community Health Clinics: Many clinics offer fentanyl test strips along with educational materials about safe consumption practices and overdose prevention.
Factors to Consider When Buying Fentanyl Test Strips
When purchasing fentanyl test strips, consider the following factors:
- Reliability: Check reviews and testimonials to ensure the test strips are accurate and reliable.
- Brand: Choose well-known brands with a good reputation in drug testing.
- Cost: Compare prices from multiple sources to find the best deal, but prioritize quality over cost.
- Legality: Familiarize yourself with local laws regarding the purchase and possession of fentanyl test strips.
Using Fentanyl Test Strips
Once you’ve acquired fentanyl test strips, understanding how to use them correctly is crucial for obtaining accurate results:
- Prepare the Sample: Dissolve a small amount of the substance in water.
- Dip the Strip: Immerse the strip into the solution, ensuring it is covered by the liquid.
- Wait for Results: After a few minutes, check the strip for the lines indicating the presence of fentanyl.
- Interpreting Results: A single line typically indicates fentanyl is present, while two lines suggest it is not.
FAQs About Fentanyl Test Strips
Q: Are fentanyl test strips accurate?
A: While they are generally reliable, no test can guarantee complete accuracy. It is important to follow the instructions carefully for the best results.
Q: Can I use fentanyl test strips on all substances?
A: Fentanyl test strips are primarily designed for testing powdered drugs but can sometimes be useful for liquid samples as well.
Q: What should I do if the test strip indicates fentanyl presence?
A: If fentanyl is detected, consider not using the substance or using it in a very small amount while having naloxone available to counteract potential overdoses.
By knowing where to buy fentanyl test strips and how to use them properly, individuals can take proactive steps toward harm reduction and safety in drug use.
