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Fentanyl test strips have become an essential tool in harm reduction efforts to prevent overdoses caused by the powerful synthetic opioid. These test strips allow individuals to quickly and accurately detect the presence of fentanyl in their drugs before consumption, potentially saving lives.
Why Use Fentanyl Test Strips?
CDC Supports State And Community-level FTS Efforts
Fentanyl is often mixed with other drugs such as heroin, cocaine, or counterfeit pills without the user’s knowledge. As little as 2 milligrams of fentanyl can be a lethal dose for some individuals, making it crucial to know if your drugs are contaminated.
Where to Purchase Fentanyl Test Strips
AMA Advocacy Insights Webinar Series: Strategies To Address The Drug Overdose And Death Epidemic
There are several places where you can buy fentanyl test strips online. Some reputable vendors include:
- Fentanyl test strips are a form of drug testing technology that have shown to be effective at detecting the presence of fentanyl and fentanyl-analogs in drug samples prior to ingestion.
- DHS also encourages hepatitis C and HIV screening as part of an ongoing drug user health initiative.
- In 2022, 68% of the 107,081 reported drug overdose deaths were from synthetic opioids, mainly fentanyl.
- Our FentKits are the complete package for quick and easy fentanyl testing.
- DanceSafe: A nonprofit organization that promotes health and safety within the electronic music community. They offer fentanyl test strips along with other harm reduction supplies.
- The Bunk Police: Another organization dedicated to harm reduction at music festivals and events. They also sell fentanyl test strips on their website.
- Amazon: You can find fentanyl test strips from various sellers on Amazon. Be sure to read reviews and check the expiration date before making a purchase.
Many of the participants who had not used FTS during the study had expressed that given a longer time frame for use, they would have tried the FTS. Future research regarding fentanyl FTS should include a longer period between the provision of the FTS and follow-up. 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.
Where Can I Get Strips?
How to Use Fentanyl Test Strips
Explore this page to connect with LGBTQ-affirming programs and resources for recovery and support. PHILADELPHIA – Mayor Jim Kenney today signed Executive Order 4-21 making it the City’s policy not to arrest individuals for possessing or distributing fentanyl test trips. This Executive Order reinforces the City’s commitment to saving lives through harm reduction amid the ongoing opioid epidemic.
Using fentanyl test strips is simple. You just need a small sample of your drug and a testing strip. Here is a basic step-by-step guide:
Xylazine test strips (XTS) are small strips of paper that can be placed within a personal sample of drugs to detect the presence of xylazine. Such strips may be used to inform decisions about drug use practices; for example, upon receiving a positive test result, an individual may opt to not use the drugs or use them in a less risky manner. Of course, the safest option is not to use illegal drugs at all or to seek out a drug addiction treatment program if you need help stopping. But if you’re going to use street drugs, testing them for fentanyl first might save your life.
- Prepare the sample: Mix a small amount of your drug with water in a spoon or container.
- Insert the test strip: Dip the end of the test strip into the solution for about 15 seconds.
- Wait for results: The test strip will show either one or two lines. One line indicates the presence of fentanyl, while two lines mean the absence of fentanyl.
- Dispose of properly: Safely discard the used test strip and any remaining drug sample.
Find information on trainings, education, access to Naloxone and supplies, and other harm reduction resources. If you decide to use the drugs after testing them, you can drink them or inject them. You can speed up the process by putting the dissolved drugs in a pan in the oven on the lowest setting (maximum of 225 F) while keeping the oven door cracked. When the water evaporates and the pan is cool, you can scrape the residue off with a razor or other sharp item. In 2021, the CDC and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) announced that federal grant recipients, such as nonprofit drug-treatment and harm-reduction centers, can use grant money to buy the test strips. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid related to the phenylpiperidines that is commonly used for moderate to severe pain relief.
By knowing where to buy fentanyl test strips and how to use them effectively, individuals can take proactive steps to protect themselves and their loved ones from accidental fentanyl overdoses.
