Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is 50-100 times stronger than morphine. It is often added to other drugs like heroin, cocaine, and counterfeit pills to increase their potency. Unfortunately, this has led to a rise in overdoses and deaths across the country. One way to prevent overdoses is by using fentanyl test strips, which can detect the presence of fentanyl in drugs.
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What are Fentanyl Test Strips?
A synthetic opioid, fentanyl is often carefully prescribed by doctors to treat severe pain in people living with cancer, recovering from surgery or who are terminally ill. However, most fentanyl-involved deaths are due to illicitly made fentanyl, and a small amount is enough how to shoot crack to cause an overdose. California has set aside $4 million to distribute fentanyl testing strips as part of Governor Gavin Newsom’s $1 billion overall plan to address the crisis. Fentanyl is commonly mixed with other drugs and is more than 50 times more powerful than heroin.
Fentanyl test strips are a rapid testing tool that can detect the presence of fentanyl in drugs. They are small strips that are dipped into a the dark web search engine drug sample and provide results within minutes. The strips can detect fentanyl at concentrations as low as 0.02 micrograms per milliliter.
Life-Saving Tools
They were not just close friends, but a couple of people I met at the clinic and stuff, and they actually were people who really want to know if the fentanyl is actually in the drugs they are using, and they actually use a little bit more than I do. On a daily basis they still use, so I felt like it was very important to have (Respondent 55, white female, age 28, residue testing group). But it’s (fentanyl) going to show up in the test, so it is kind of worth it. That’s what I’m saying is, you could save your life by using this. Or you could not use it and do what you’re going to do and be dead…I thought it came out positive, so I got rid of the fentanyl (Respondent 17, white male, age 20, urine testing group). Interviews were conducted by trained research assistants and were recorded for subsequent transcription.
Where to Buy Fentanyl Test Strips
Opioid Overdose Deaths Reach Record Level In Canada
Get the facts on fentanyl and overdose to protect your loved ones. Opioids have played a role in the crisis, but the problem runs much deeper than the drugs themselves. In 2014, the Pennsylvania Department of Health released a standing order, which allows anyone to visit a pharmacy and receive Naloxone without a prescription. The medication may not be available for same-day pickup, but it can often be ordered and available within a day or two. If a pharmacy does not have it in stock, request that it be ordered or ask if another location has it in stock. The Center offers a number of weekly ‘Living with HIV’ groups facilitated by mental health professionals from The Center’s Behavioral Health Services, as well as peer-to-peer led groups.
Training
Fentanyl test strips are becoming more widely available, but it can still be challenging to find them. Here are some places where you can buy fentanyl test strips:
Another adaptation requested the creation of trainings, materials, and kit instructions in other languages, especially Spanish. After the pilot end, Spanish language materials and videos were created for dissemination. And the stuff they were getting, they kept assuming it had fentanyl in it, but they weren’t 100% sure. Here, participants describe how they would use an initial smaller dose of the drug they tested, a “test shot,” in reaction to a positive FTS result. Though this participant was not using drugs during the study period, she advised a friend who was using drugs to go slower because of the positive FTS. Participants reported two primary reasons for wanting to test at home.
- The government’s top addiction scientists and key public health officials are calling for more research into fentanyl test strips.
- Governor Kelly has also taken other measures to help prevent drug overdoses in Kansas.
- Opioids have played a role in the crisis, but the problem runs much deeper than the drugs themselves.
- Then, if and when they want to change their use – maybe stop, reduce or switch to a safer drug – we’re here for them.
- Online marketplaces: There are several online marketplaces where you can buy fentanyl test strips, such as Amazon and where can i buy cocaine DanceSafe. Be sure to read the product descriptions carefully to ensure that you are buying a legitimate product.
- Syringe exchange programs: Many syringe exchange programs offer fentanyl test strips for free or at a reduced cost. You can find a syringe exchange program near you by visiting the North American Syringe Exchange Network (NASEN) website.
- Harm reduction organizations: Harm reduction organizations, such as the Harm Reduction Coalition and the Drug Policy Alliance, often provide fentanyl test strips to their clients. You can find a harm reduction organization near you by visiting the Harm Reduction Coalition website.
- Pharmacies: Some pharmacies, such as Walgreens, have started carrying fentanyl test strips. However, availability may vary by location.
- Prepare a drug sample: Dissolve a small amount of the drug in water or dissolve a pill in water.
- Dip the test strip into the sample: Hold the test strip by the handle and dip it into the sample for about 15 seconds. Make sure that the strip is fully submerged.
- Wait for the results: Lay the strip flat and wait for the results to appear. It should take about 5 minutes.
- Interpret the results: If one line appears in the control region (C), the test is negative. If two lines appear, one in the control region and one in the test region (T), the test is positive. If no lines appear, the test is invalid, and you should repeat the test with a new strip.
Fentanyl test strips were designed to test urine for the presence of fentanyl, and were creatively repurposed by people who use drugs to help survive the drug prohibition. Being aware if fentanyl is present allows people to implement appropriate harm reduction strategies to reduce the risk of an overdose. Our peer parent coaches have weighed in on the topic of encouraging their loved ones to use test strips. They know how deadly fentanyl can be, in some cases having lost their children to overdoses. By far and away, they view this as a much-needed safety measure to reduce the risks of overdose and death. Test strips do not tell any information about the percentages of fentanyl in drugs nor do they detect any other drugs.
How to Use Fentanyl Test Strips
Using fentanyl test strips is relatively simple. Here are the steps to follow:
FAQs
Q: Are fentanyl test strips accurate?
A: Fentanyl test strips are highly accurate and can detect fentanyl at concentrations as low as 0.02 micrograms per milliliter.
Q: Can fentanyl test strips detect other drugs?
A: No, fentanyl test strips can only detect fentanyl and its analogs. They cannot detect other drugs.
Q: How much do fentanyl test strips cost?
A: The cost of fentanyl test strips varies depending on where you buy them. They can range from $1 to $5 per strip.
Q: Are fentanyl test strips legal?
A: Yes, fentanyl test strips are legal in all 50 states.
Q: Can I use fentanyl test strips on blotter paper?
A: No, fentanyl test strips are not designed to detect fentanyl on blotter paper. They are designed to detect fentanyl in drugs that are dissolved in water.
