Originally intended for urine drug tests, fentanyl testing strips are being used as an off-label harm reduction approach to test the presence or absence of fentanyl and many fentanyl analogs (very closely related drugs) in the unregulated drug supply. The Health Department offers virtual trainings to individuals and organizations on the use of fentanyl test strips as a harm reduction tool as well as strategies for community engagement. If you are interested in learning about fentanyl and fentanyl test strips, or your organization is distributing fentanyl test strips in the community, register for an upcoming training below.
Learn more about fentanyl, how dangerous it is, how to use fentanyl test strips, and their limitations. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid used for treating severe pain and is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. Most recent cases of fentanyl-related harm, overdose and death in the United States are linked to illicitly made fentanyl. Illicitly made fentanyl is often found in counterfeit pills, which are made to look like prescription drugs or may be added to other illicit drugs such as methamphetamine or cocaine.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is similar to morphine but is 50 to 100 times more potent. It is a Schedule II prescription drug, and it is typically used to treat patients with severe pain or to manage pain after surgery. However, fentanyl is also illegally manufactured and distributed, often mixed with other drugs like heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine.
Is Suggesting Fentanyl Test Strips To A Loved One Encouraging Their Continued Substance Use?
In GOP-led states, many governors are feeling the heat to take action against the fentanyl crisis, especially across the southern U.S., where opioid death rates have been particularly high. Part of their tough-on-crime approach to the issue has involved speeding up policy to decriminalize what darknet markets sell fentanyl the strips. People who use drugs that may contain Fentanyl should always carry or have access to Narcan, the lifesaving Opioid overdose drug also known as Naloxone. Narcan can be found in local pharmacies across the state and is available to anyone over 18 at no cost.
- Within minutes, a person can know whether the drug contains fentanyl.
- One line indicates fentanyl is present in the sample; two lines indicate a negative result.
- In the United States (US), six states that publish data on fentanyl-related fatalities reported that the number of overdose deaths attributable to fentanyl increased by over 350% between 2013 and 2014, from 392 to over 1400 [15].
- Centre on Substance Abuse (BCCSU) has revealed that nearly all substances labeled as heroin sold in Vancouver contain the deadly synthetic opioid fentanyl.
Fentanyl test strips are a simple and inexpensive way to detect the presence of fentanyl in drugs. They can help prevent overdoses and save lives. If you are concerned about fentanyl in your community or personal drug use, you may be wondering where to buy fentanyl test strips.
Amid Overdose Epidemic, Researchers Say Users Should Be Allowed To Test Their Drugs For Fentanyl
If you need Narcan or intramuscular naloxone as well, use this page to access free supplies with an easy fentanyl test strip add-on. This has long been a fear that if you give people tools to make something safer, they’re going to take greater risk. But we actually have really good evidence in the drug-use space that harm reduction interventions don’t encourage drug use. They may be selling cocaine and also selling opioids or fentanyl. If they’re doing that in their home, it’s not like being in a regulated laboratory where pharmaceutical drugs are being made, packaged, and distributed. Even a little bit can get cross-contaminated if you’re using the same surface to cut, bag, or weigh a substance.
Free Fentanyl Test Strips Now Available Statewide
What Are Fentanyl Test Strips?
Fentanyl test strips are small strips of paper that can detect the presence of fentanyl in a drug sample. They work by using immunoassay technology to detect the darknet dating sites presence of fentanyl and its analogs. The test strip is dipped into a solution containing the drug sample, and the results are available in a few minutes.
Fentanyl test strips are easy to use and can provide accurate results. They are also inexpensive, costing only a few dollars per strip. They are an effective harm reduction tool that can help prevent overdoses and save lives.
Where to Buy Fentanyl Test Strips
Fentanyl test strips are available for purchase online from a variety of sources. Here are some of the most popular options:
- DanceSafe: DanceSafe is a nonprofit organization that provides harm reduction services and education to the nightlife and music festival community. They sell fentanyl test strips online, and they also have a network of local chapters that distribute them at events.
- Bunk Police: Bunk Police is a harm reduction organization that sells fentanyl test strips and other drug testing equipment online. They also have a mobile app that provides information about drug safety and testing.
- Amazon: Fentanyl test strips are available for purchase on Amazon from a variety of sellers. However, it is important to note that not all test strips sold on Amazon are reliable or accurate. Make sure to read reviews and check the seller’s ratings before making a purchase.
It is also possible to obtain fentanyl test strips for free from local harm reduction organizations or health departments. Some syringe exchange programs and overdose prevention programs provide free fentanyl test strips to their clients. Check with local organizations in your area to see if they offer this service.
Conclusion
Fentanyl test strips are an important harm reduction tool that can help prevent overdoses and save lives. They are easy to use, inexpensive, and widely available. If you are concerned about fentanyl in your community or personal drug use, consider purchasing fentanyl test strips from a reputable source or obtaining them for free from a local harm reduction organization.
By using fentanyl test strips, you can make informed decisions about drug use and help keep yourself and your community safe.
