Fentanyl is an extremely potent drug that has been found in many different substances (such as cocaine, ecstasy, and other opioids), usually without the knowledge of the person using the substance. It is recommended that you test any substance you plan to consume to check for the presence of fentanyl. While harm reduction strategies like Fentanyl test strips and Narcan are vital steps in treating drug addiction, the safest way to avoid an overdose is abstinence.
If you are concerned about the presence of fentanyl in illicit substances or want to ensure the safety of prescription medications, using fentanyl test strips can provide you with peace of mind. These test strips allow you to detect the presence of fentanyl quickly and easily. However, knowing where to buy them might be a challenge. Here are some options:
Online Retailers
Illinois Helpline for Opioids & Other Substances
Naloxone should still be given because xylazine is often used with fentanyl. Naloxone will not cause harm if opioids are not involved in an overdose. It is important to call 911 for additional medical treatment, especially since the effects of xylazine may continue after naloxone is given. Routine testing for xylazine by the Oregon State Medical Examiner began in 2020.
- Fentanyl is commonly mixed with other drugs and is more than 50 times more powerful than heroin.
- The tests also check for many variations of fentanyl known as analogs.
- There is no limit on the number of fentanyl test strips that someone can receive through this program.
- Fentanyl test strips are used to detect small amounts of fentanyl and prevent accidental overdose.
- Learn more about what CDC is doing to prevent opioid-related deaths on CDC’s Efforts to Prevent Opioid Overdoses and Other Opioid-Related Harms webpage.
Several online retailers specialize in selling fentanyl test strips. These retailers offer convenient and discreet shipping options. Some popular online platforms where you can find fentanyl test strips include:
California Experiments with Distributing Fentanyl Tests
- Website A: This website has a wide selection of drug testing products, including fentanyl test strips. They offer secure payment methods and fast shipping.
- Website B: With a user-friendly interface, this website provides detailed product descriptions, customer reviews, and competitive prices for fentanyl test strips.
Local Drugstores or Pharmacies
The $1 Tool That Might Curb the Overdose Epidemic
Your local drugstore or pharmacy may carry fentanyl test strips. It’s recommended to call ahead and inquire about their availability. If they don’t have them in stock, they may be able to order them for you or recommend a nearby store that sells them.
When implemented effectively, harm reduction interventions can reduce the rate of fatal opioid overdoses among people who use drugs [14, 15]. Communities with OEND programs have shown greater reductions in overdose mortality compared to those without such programs [16, 17]. Moreover, the distribution of naloxone to laypersons has been found to be cost-effective [16, 17, 19]. However, due to the increased and varying potency of fentanyl and related analogs, naloxone doses previously adequate to reverse an opioid overdose may not be consistently sufficient [20].
Opioid overdose deaths reach record level in Canada
Harm Reduction Organizations
Harm reduction organizations often distribute fentanyl test strips as part of their efforts to promote safer substance use practices. These organizations aim to reduce the negative consequences associated with drug use. Check for harm reduction initiatives in your area and reach out to see if they provide fentanyl test strips.
THE DRUG SUPPLY IS NOT RELIABLE. WHAT YOU THINK YOU’RE GETTING ISN’T ALWAYS WHAT IT IS.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Can I use fentanyl test strips to test other substances?
No, fentanyl test strips are specifically designed for detecting the presence of fentanyl. They may not provide accurate results for other substances.
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Are fentanyl test strips legal to purchase?
Since then, xylazine has been found in a small but increasing amount of overdose deaths in Oregon. In 2020, there were two overdose deaths where xylazine was identified in the toxicology report, followed by nine in 2021 and nine (so far) in 2022. The Oregon Health Authority expects to see a significant increase in xylazine-involved overdose deaths in 2023 once the data are finalized. So far, all overdose deaths in Oregon where xylazine was present also involved fentanyl.
Yes, fentanyl test strips are legal to purchase and use in many jurisdictions. However, it’s important to research and comply with local laws and regulations before purchasing them.
The final event was a concert and mutual aid event hosted by Savage Sisters, Operation In My Backyard, and the South Philly Lunch with Punks. Each nonprofit had tables set and a stage was set up for live music. While we were there, we had the opportunity to do Narcan and fentanyl test strip trainings on stage for everyone in attendance. Fentanyl testing infographic that walks through how to use and understand the results of a fentanyl test strip. Fentanyl test strips are easy to use tests to see if your drugs have some types of fentanyl in them.
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Data collected from safe injection facilities in Canada indicate there has been a 2,000 percent rise in street drugs testing positive for fentanyl since 2012. In addition to verifying that the BTNX Rapid Response Single Drug Test Strip accurately detected the presence of fentanyl in street drug samples, the researchers then surveyed drug users to learn how receptive they would be to use of the test. Fentanyl is to blame for 146 deaths in Vermont since 2016, when it overtook heroin and prescription painkillers as the most deadly opioid in the state. The potent synthetic has already killed 30 people in Vermont in 2018, more than heroin and prescription opioids combined, according to state data.
How do I use fentanyl test strips?
Each brand of fentanyl test strips may have specific instructions. Generally, the process involves mixing a small sample of the substance with a testing solution on the strip. The appearance of certain lines or colors indicates the presence or absence of fentanyl.
Drug Checking Resources
Remember, fentanyl test strips can be a valuable tool in harm reduction practices and ensuring personal safety. By knowing where to buy them, you can take proactive steps towards protecting yourself and others from potential fentanyl exposure.