Most fentanyl test strips are between 96% to nearly 100% accurate in detecting the presence of even small amounts of fentanyl. The Erie County Department of Health (ECDOH) does not provide medical advice. The information provided on the ECDOH website is not an attempt to practice medicine and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Learn more about fentanyl, how dangerous it is, how to use fentanyl test strips, and their limitations. North America is in the midst of an unprecedented overdose epidemic. In 2016, provisional data indicates that overdose mortality increased over 20% from 2015 to reach a record high of 64,070 deaths [1, 2].
Understanding Fentanyl Test Strips
- Learn more about drug test kits and how the AMA supports efforts to increase access to fentanyl test strips and other substance test kits for the purpose of harm reduction.
- Learn about the nation’s drug overdose and death epidemic, and the efforts made by physicians to end the epidemic in this AMA Advocacy Insights webinar.
- Overdose prevention education included information on how to safely use drugs (such as not drugs using alone, keeping naloxone nearby, and titrating doses), as well as materials on how to recognize and respond to an overdose.
- In the past, many states didn’t allow people to own — or distribute — drug testing materials.
Kansans looking for substance use treatment and recovery services are encouraged to use state services available here. The information contained on this website is not intended to be a substitute for, or to be relied upon as, medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Fentanyl test strips are essential tools for harm reduction, allowing individuals to assess the presence of fentanyl in drugs. Given the current opioid crisis, access to these strips has become increasingly important for safety.
IMF is a major contributor to fatal and nonfatal overdoses in the US, including Oregon. One of the major causes of opioid overdose on college campuses nationwide is the unintentional ingestion of opiates. In recent years popular recreational drugs like cocaine, Xanax and Adderall have become risks for opioid overdose, as lethal traces of the synthetic opioid fentanyl have been found in the US drug supply. Our Harm Reduction strategies are intended to address the risks of potential fentanyl contamination.
If you use heroin, cocaine or crack—even rarely—you’re at risk of a fentanyl-involved overdose. You can use the form below to request fentanyl test strips be mailed discretely to your home. If you need Narcan or intramuscular naloxone as well, use this page to access free supplies with an easy fentanyl test strip add-on. Nearly two-thirds of people who use drugs surveyed for this project had experienced an opioid overdose at least once, and 8 in 10 attributed their last overdose to fentanyl.
These groups may be able to provide test strips free of charge, or know where you can get them. On Saturday, June 28, Florida joined more than 30 other states that have moved to decriminalize Fentanyl test strips, in what many advocates say is a long overdue step toward fighting drug overdoses. The bill, known as Senate Bill 164, was part of a group of 8 other bills sent to the Governor’s desk to be signed into law.
Research has shown that people who use fentanyl test strips often make changes that can keep them safer. In one study from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 70% of participants said they would change their behavior if they knew the drugs they used contained fentanyl. If you take fentanyl without knowing it, you might get a much higher dose of opioids than your body can handle, putting you at risk for an overdose. Although there is no guaranteed way to determine if Fentanyl is present in a substance, Fentanyl test strips are a tool that can be used to lower your risk of accidental opioid overdose.
Of course, the safest option is not to use illegal drugs at all or to seek out a drug addiction treatment program if you need help stopping. But if you’re going to use street drugs, testing them for fentanyl first might save your life. Certified providers can order up to 1,200 fentanyl test strips and up to 600 xylazine test strips or set up a naloxone ordering account using the provider and individual request form. Most of the time, the person using the contaminated substance has no idea that it contains fentanyl.
Where Can I Buy Fentanyl Test Strips?
If you’re wondering where can I buy fentanyl test strips, there are multiple options available:
- Online Retailers: Many websites specialize in harm reduction supplies. You can find fentanyl test strips through major online platforms that support health initiatives.
- Pharmacies: Some local pharmacies may carry fentanyl test strips. It’s essential to call ahead to check availability.
- Health Clinics: Harm reduction programs often distribute these strips for free or at a low cost. Contact local health services for information.
- Nonprofit Organizations: Various organizations focused on drug user health can help you procure test strips. They sometimes have distribution events or can provide guidance.
Harm Reduction Is Part Of The Treatment Continuum
The Importance of Fentanyl Test Strips
Understanding the benefits of using these test strips is crucial:
- Increased Safety: Testing substances for fentanyl can prevent overdoses and save lives.
- Awareness: Helps users be informed about the drugs they are consuming, making safer choices possible.
- Non-Invasive: Easy to use and provide immediate results without needing special equipment.
How to Use Fentanyl Test Strips
Knowing how to use fentanyl test strips properly ensures effective results:
- Take a small sample of the substance you wish to test.
- Mix it with an appropriate amount of water.
- Dip the strip into the mixture as instructed.
- Wait for the results to appear on the strip.
FAQs about Fentanyl Test Strips
Q: Are fentanyl test strips legal?
A: Yes, fentanyl test strips are legal in many states, but regulations can vary. Check local laws for specifics.
Q: Can fentanyl test strips detect all fentanyl analogs?
A: Most test strips are designed for synthetic opioids, but they may not detect all analogs. Always exercise caution.
Q: What should I do if the test strip indicates the presence of fentanyl?
A: If fentanyl is detected, consider not consuming the substance, and seek help if needed. Harm reduction resources can provide guidance.
Q: How accurate are fentanyl test strips?
A: While generally reliable, false positives or negatives can occur. Always use the test strip results as guidance rather than definitive proof.
Q: Where can I find more information about fentanyl test strips?
A: Visit harm reduction websites or local health organizations that provide resources and education on safe drug use practices.
Finding where can I buy fentanyl test strips is a crucial step in protecting yourself or loved ones from potential overdoses. By being informed and proactive, you can play a significant role in harm reduction.
