Looking For Fentanyl Test Strips?
- If they don’t have access to clean syringes, they may reuse or share needles, which increases their risk for HIV, hepatitis C and wounds.
- Research has shown that people who use fentanyl test strips often make changes that can keep them safer.
- A Vermont health care center has announced it will start giving away free test strips to determine if a drug contains fentanyl.
- She has also given schools the funding the need to have naloxone on hand.
A controversial tool has emerged in the fight against opioid overdose deaths. 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.
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. Based on the results of the test strips, people can choose to implement strategies to reduce the risk of overdose. Published literature supports that people are willing to use fentanyl test strips and change behavior as a result of a positive test. Please help keep our LGBTQ community safe by learning about fentanyl. Fentanyl is an extremely potent synthetic opioid, usually found in powdered form. Overdose can be avoided by having fentanyl test strips with you to help detect the presence of fentanyl in other drugs including cocaine, meth, heroin and other opioids.
Understanding Fentanyl Test Strips
Another participant described how a positive FTS result contributed to a change in her “mindset” about her drug use and keeping naloxone nearby. In addition to reports of feeling judged or stigmatized, other participants suggested fear of legal ramifications or other risks if they were to test their drugs someplace other than their home. In addition to wanting to use FTS before drug use, several participants alluded to the fact that using a urine-based test was not convenient.
Fentanyl test strips are a critical tool in combating the opioid crisis. These simple, inexpensive strips can help users identify the presence of fentanyl in drugs, which can significantly decrease the risk of overdose.
Finally, this study took place in Rhode Island, a state with a high burden of fentanyl-related overdoses and fentanyl contamination. As such, results may not be generalizable to other settings, particularly those in which the presence of fentanyl contamination in illicit drugs is less common. Despite growing interest in fentanyl drug checking technology, perceptions of and attitudes towards FTS as a tool to reduce overdose risk among young PWUD have not been investigated in the US. Understanding the perceptions of PWUD regarding FTS can formatively assist in the development and implementation of rapid fentanyl testing programs in the US and in other settings experiencing a high burden of fentanyl-involved overdose. The first phase of the fentanyl test strip distribution program is funded by $1.25 million from Wisconsin’s share of the American Rescue Plan Act, and is one of many strategies DHS is using to reduce the harms of drug use. 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.
In recent years, the importance of harm reduction strategies has gained attention, and knowing where to buy fentanyl test strips can empower individuals to make safer choices.
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). The protocol for the initial baseline visit has been described in detail elsewhere [44]. Once the survey was completed, participants were shown two brief instructional videos demonstrating how to use and interpret BTNX Inc. These FTS are disposable, single-use immunoassay tests with a detection level of 20 mg/ml; the tests provide a binary result of either positive or negative for the presence of fentanyl.
Where to Buy Fentanyl Test Strips
There are several reliable avenues to obtain fentanyl test strips, which include:
- Online Retailers: Many websites specialize in harm reduction supplies, making it easy to order test strips discreetly. Look for sites that focus on safety and confidentiality.
- Local Health Departments: Some public health organizations provide fentanyl test strips for free or at a low cost. Check with your local health department or harm reduction programs.
- Pharmacies: While not as common, some pharmacies may carry fentanyl test strips. It’s advisable to call ahead to confirm availability.
- Non-Profit Organizations: Various non-profits and community organizations dedicated to addiction support often supply test strips as part of their harm reduction initiatives.
I had a false positive on an older test trip, retested with a new one and it was negative. It doesn’t harm a person to use Narcan if one is unsure what substances have caused the overdose, but it is only effective for opioid based substances. This material provides steps to take if a person has an opioid overdose and their breathing has slowed or stop. We partner with a number of local organizations to make sure Naloxone and test strips are available city-wide. Below are a few of our partners that are able to provide regular access to resources. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid used to treat the most severe pain.
Finally, all participating agencies were invited to complete an anonymous online exit survey that assessed their opinions and knowledge regarding FTS, syringes, naloxone, and Massachusetts laws relevant to FTS. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze all survey data and services reported. I would say we were definitely a lot more cautious about what we were doing, like definitely a lot more ready for something to, you know, go wrong…I definitely, like, would pace myself a lot slower with the drugs.
How to Use Fentanyl Test Strips
Using fentanyl test strips is straightforward:
- Take a small sample of the substance you want to test.
- Dissolve the sample in water according to the instructions included with the test strips.
- Dip the test strip into the solution and wait for the specified time.
- Read the results, which will indicate the presence of fentanyl.
FAQs About Fentanyl Test Strips
Q: Are fentanyl test strips legal to purchase?
A: Yes, fentanyl test strips are legal in many areas, but it’s important to check local laws and regulations.
Q: How accurate are fentanyl test strips?
A: While they are generally reliable, they might not detect all forms of fentanyl or its analogs. Always take precautions if you choose to use substances.
Q: Can I use fentanyl test strips with any drug?
A: Yes, you can test various substances, but accuracy may vary based on the drug’s composition.
Conclusion
Knowing where to buy fentanyl test strips and how to use them can be a life-saving knowledge. They are a vital part of harm reduction strategies to reduce the risks associated with drug use, particularly when facing the dangers of potent synthetic opioids like fentanyl.
