Understanding Fentanyl Test Strips
Michael Marquesen first noticed about a year ago that fentanyl, a dangerous synthetic opioid, had hit the streets of Los Angeles. People suddenly started overdosing after they shot up a new white powder that dealers promised would give them a powerful high. A thin test strip — similar to a pregnancy test — can detect whether a street drug contains the dangerous opioid fentanyl, according to a new report. In one study of 242 heroin users in British Columbia, 70 tested positive for fentanyl—and more than 50 of those hadn’t known they were using it. Seventy percent also said they would modify their behavior if they knew their drugs contained fentanyl, including avoiding the drugs, using them more slowly, or using them with others who have the antioverdose medication naloxone. The number of positive tests for fentanyl in samples of heroin seized by law enforcement agencies across Canada has grown from less than one per cent in 2012 to more than 60 per cent so far this year, exclusive data obtained by CBC News has revealed.
Fentanyl test strips are essential tools designed to detect the presence of fentanyl in various substances. These strips can be crucial in preventing overdose and ensuring safer drug use. As the opioid crisis continues, the demand for these strips has grown, leading many individuals and organizations to seek answers to the question: where to buy fentanyl test strips?
Use this state-based locator to find a pharmacy, clinic, health department, or community based organization in your area that provides naloxone distribution. 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.
The Importance of Fentanyl Test Strips
Fentanyl test strips can tell you whether there is fentanyl in drugs. The Division of Substance Use Prevention and Harm Reduction (SUPHR) provides test strips and naloxone to both individuals and organizations. In addition to distributing these supplies at pop-ups and community events listed on our events page, there are a few ways you can get naloxone and test strips to prevent a fatal overdose in your community. Offers needs-based mobile syringe exchange, fentanyl test strips, Naloxone (Narcan) and safer sex kits. If we look at communities of people who use drugs, stereotypes have resulted in a lack of support from society at large.
With the rising incidences of fentanyl-related overdoses, awareness and availability of test strips have become more significant than ever. Here are some key points highlighting their importance:
- Early Detection: Fentanyl test strips provide quick results, allowing users to determine the presence of fentanyl.
- Harm Reduction: They contribute to harm reduction strategies by enabling safer use of drugs.
- Accessibility: Increased access to these tools can lead to lower overdose rates.
Mpox (monkeypox) Resource Center
Outside of monitored environments such as at SIF, a false negative test in a private setting could lead to a higher risk of overdose [34]. To mitigate this concern, all participants were instructed during the FTS training that false negatives are possible and that a negative result does not necessarily mean an absence of overdose risk. This is a small pilot study which recruited a convenience sample from a region highly impacted by the fentanyl overdose epidemic; therefore, this study may not be generalizable to other settings. Additionally, in some regions, fentanyl contamination is widespread throughout the drug supply, and it has yet to be determined how that may affect uptake of rapid fentanyl test strips. Third, we only assessed lifetime overdose history generally and did not ask participants about their experiences with opioid overdose specifically.
House of Representatives by Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) and Congressman Lance Gooden (R-Texas). The Philadelphia District Attorney and Pennsylvania Attorney General have publicly announced their own policies of declining to prosecute individuals possessing or distributing fentanyl test strips for harm reduction purposes. The CDC also announced earlier this year that federal funding may be used to purchase rapid fentanyl test strips. The Executive Order signed today represents the City’s agreement with these policies and a further step to support harm reduction strategies. The Massachusetts state Senate voted unanimously to legalize fentanyl test strips across the commonwealth earlier this month. The paper indicators had been considered illegal drug paraphernalia as they could be used to test whether the highly powerful, dangerous synthetic opioid was present in a sample.
- Sponsored by Sen. Tina Polsky-D, Boca Raton, the bill passed unanimously in both chambers after years of similar bills being shot down during the last weeks of the session.
- Most people don’t know it is a synthetic opioid up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine.
- If you know or think someone is struggling with addiction, ask them if you can help.
- Common physical signs of WCS are episodic “breath-holding spells,” tense abdominal muscles, a firmly locked jaw, and stiff extremities.
- Synthetic opioid overdose mortality among young adults has risen more than 300% in the USA since 2013, primarily due to the contamination of heroin and other drugs with illicitly manufactured fentanyl.
- According to the CDC, deaths from fentanyl poisoning are fastest growing among 14- to 23-year-olds.
Xylazine has been increasingly found in fentanyl products, and the percentage of fentanyl-involved deaths with xylazine detected increased 276% from January 2019 to June 2022. Overdose deaths involving fentanyl have quadrupled in recent years. Because of the War on Drugs and criminalization of people who use drugs, people often are unaware of the exact composition of the substances they’re using. This makes evidence-based harm reduction strategies such as fentanyl test strips, safety planning, and access to safe supply more vital than ever.
Where to Buy Fentanyl Test Strips
Finding where to buy fentanyl test strips can be accomplished through several avenues. These include both online and offline options:
Online Retailers
Several online platforms offer fentanyl test strips. Key options include:
- E-commerce Websites: Websites like Amazon and eBay frequently stock these test strips, making them accessible with just a few clicks.
- Specialized Harm Reduction Organizations: Many organizations focused on harm reduction provide online stores for purchasing test strips directly.
- Pharmaceutical Websites: Some licensed pharmacies have begun to carry fentanyl test strips in their online catalogs.
Local Sources
If you prefer purchasing in-person, consider checking the following local sources:
- Pharmacies: Some pharmacies may carry fentanyl test strips, especially in areas heavily impacted by the opioid crisis.
- Community Health Centers: Many community health centers provide harm reduction resources, including easy access to test strips.
- Drug Treatment Facilities: These facilities often offer fentanyl test strips as part of their services to clients.
FAQs about Fentanyl Test Strips
1. What do fentanyl test strips test for?
Fentanyl test strips are designed to detect the presence of fentanyl and its analogs in various substances, including powders and pills.
2. How accurate are fentanyl test strips?
The accuracy of fentanyl test strips can vary, but they are generally reliable for detecting the presence of fentanyl. However, they may not indicate the quantity or the presence of other substances.
3. Are fentanyl test strips easy to use?
Yes, fentanyl test strips are simple to use. Users can follow the instructions provided with the strips to test their substances quickly.
4. Are fentanyl test strips legal?
In many regions, fentanyl test strips are legal and available for purchase. However, local laws and regulations should always be checked.
5. Can I get fentanyl test strips for free?
Many harm reduction organizations provide fentanyl test strips for free or at a reduced cost, especially in areas heavily affected by opioids.
Knowing where to buy fentanyl test strips can save lives and reduce the risks associated with opioid use. By exploring various purchasing avenues, individuals can make informed decisions regarding their safety and health.
