Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is 50-100 times stronger than morphine. It is often mixed with other drugs, including heroin, cocaine, and counterfeit pills, making it difficult for users to know if they are ingesting it. This has led to a surge in overdose deaths in recent years, making it crucial for individuals to have access to fentanyl test strips.
Fentanyl
What are Fentanyl Test Strips?
In Rhode Island, young adults have the fastest growing rate of fatal overdoses; more than one in four fatal fentanyl-related overdoses in 2016 were among people between the ages of 18 and 29 years [12, 13]. SAC providers worked in close partnership with syringe access participants to test samples of drugs and complete a brief survey regarding the findings, including the participant’s behavior upon learning if their sample tested positive or negative. We report here the results of the baseline survey and the outcomes of the fentanyl strip test training and receipt of the take-home tests. Test kits that include strips and a special testing solution can cost anywhere between $25 to $40 each and are available online.
Fentanyl test strips are small strips that can detect the presence of fentanyl in drugs. They are easy to use and provide rapid results, making them an essential tool for harm reduction. By using fentanyl test strips, individuals can make informed decisions about the drugs they are using and take steps to reduce their risk of overdose.
- Two lines, or a negative result, means no fentanyl has been detected.
- But there are more than 60 community programs in California and many provide fentanyl testing strips for free.
- It found 27 percent contained potentially lethal doses of fentanyl.
- Below are a few of our partners that are able to provide regular access to resources.
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. Communities of people who use drugs have risen up to figure out pragmatic solutions to save the lives of their neighbors, community members, people they care about.
Where to Buy Fentanyl Test Strips
Fentanyl Test Strips: What You Need To Know
Pharmacies: Some pharmacies carry fentanyl test strips over the counter, while others may require a prescription. It’s best to call ahead and ask if they are available.
Syringe Exchange Programs: Many syringe exchange programs offer fentanyl test strips for free or at a low cost. These programs are often run by community organizations and provide a range of harm reduction services.
FENTKIT (10 Fentanyl Test Strips + Measuring Tools)
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is 30 to 50 times more potent than heroin. It is short acting and cannot be seen, tasted or smelled when mixed into other drugs. Look for information on your state or local health department’s website or ask your healthcare provider for treatment and referral services available in your area. A major reason for the rise in fentanyl overdoses is substance users not realizing that their products are laced with fentanyl. “We hear story after story of people obtaining drugs on the black market that they don’t think is fentanyl,” Singer says.
Online: There are several online retailers that sell fentanyl test strips, including Amazon and DanceSafe. It’s essential to ensure that the strips are from a reputable source and have not been tampered with.
Reluctance To Legalize Fentanyl Test Strips
How to Use Fentanyl Test Strips
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.
Using fentanyl test strips is relatively simple. Here are the steps:
- Dissolve a small amount of the drug in water.
- Dip the test strip into the water and hold it there for a few seconds.
- Wait for the results to appear, which usually takes a few minutes.
- If the test strip detects fentanyl, the results will be positive, and it’s essential to take precautions to reduce the risk of overdose.
Conclusion
Fentanyl test strips are an essential tool for harm reduction and can help individuals make informed decisions about the drugs they are using. By knowing where to buy fentanyl test strips and how to use them, individuals can reduce their risk of overdose and stay safe.
