Taken together, these results suggest that rapid fentanyl test strips may be an acceptable intervention among young adults who use drugs in this setting. In places where drug testing is legal, such as Canada and Europe, people who want to have their drugs tested most often need to bring their substances to specific locations. For instance, SIFs in Canada distribute FTS to their clients; however, clients must test their drugs in that same setting [51,52,53]. In Europe, drug testing largely takes place at music venues and mobile test sites with trained professionals [27, 54].
A test consists of a little white rectangle that you dip into a liquid substance that contains a drug, and it will test for whether fentanyl is present or not. You lay it flat, and — like a pregnancy test or like a COVID test — after two to five minutes, it will show results. 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. City to study use of fentanyl-detecting test strips by distributing them in exchange vans. Ashley Perry, Intervention Case Manager from Project Weber/RENEW, explains how to use a fentanyl test strip. When you get your result, you can make the decision about what to do next.
Understanding Fentanyl Test Strips
I mean, if somebody is taking the time to test, you know, that’s great. As an engagement tool, I think it’s great if you can stop and talk to somebody for a couple of minutes. And even if they throw the strip away behind your back when you walk away, then at least you talked to them and you maybe might have planted that seed. We know that many in our community are asking about MPOX (monkeypox).
Fentanyl test strips are valuable harm reduction tools designed to detect the presence of fentanyl in various substances. With the rising concerns over synthetic opioids, knowing where to acquire these strips becomes crucial for personal safety and community health.
The test strips can be used to test injectable drugs, powders and pills. Any time a person consumes an illicit pill in the age of fentanyl, they risk dying. If you live in King County you may be able to order free fentanyl test strips through an online order form. Watch a video on How to use fentanyl test strips from Prevent Overdose-Rhode Island. Take the same steps as you would with any suspected opioid overdose.
Fentanyl test strips detect the presence of fentanyl, a synthetic opioid 100 times more potent than morphine, in unregulated injectable drugs, powders and pills. Research by the Washington State Department of Health reveals that individuals using fentanyl test strips take steps to reduce their risk of overdose. Fentanyl test strips (FTS) are a low-cost method of helping prevent drug overdoses and reducing harm. According to the AMA’s latest Opioid Epidemic Report, opioid prescribing continues downward trend while overdose and death related to illicitly manufactured fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine increase. The AMA continues to advance evidence-based recommendations to help end the nation’s drug-related overdose and death epidemic.
Where Can I Buy Fentanyl Test Strips?
If you’re wondering where can I buy fentanyl test strips, there are several avenues you can explore:
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). Until recently, fentanyl was mostly only a problem on the East Coast. But related overdose deaths increased in Washington in the past two years. Many of the opioid pills and powders sold on the street are fake.
By far and away, they view this as a much-needed safety measure to reduce the risks of overdose and death. In states where they are considered illegal, fentanyl test strips are considered drug paraphernalia. Third, adaptations to the kit and distribution approaches emerged. 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. Finally, all participating agencies were invited to complete an anonymous online exit survey that assessed their opinions and knowledge regarding FTS, syringes, naloxone, and Massachusetts laws relevant to FTS.
It is recommended that you test any substance you plan to consume to check for the presence of fentanyl. This is not all the information you need to know about fentanyl test strips for safe and effective use and does not take the place of your healthcare provider’s advice. Review and follow the full test strip information before use, as directions may vary among tests. Discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider. In an attempt to encourage safer drug use behaviors, University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy students and their faculty advisor have made it their mission to distribute fentanyl testing strips to people who use street-purchased opioids. While harm reduction strategies like Fentanyl test strips and Narcan are vital steps in treating drug addiction, the safest way to avoid an overdose is abstinence.
- The campaign start coincided with the release of the Mayor’s Executive Order decriminalizing fentanyl test strips in Philadelphia.
- You’ll find up-to-date fact sheets, webinars, manuals, training guides, and more.
- A new study co-led by a Rhode Island epidemiologist found that a simple drug testing strip — similar to a home pregnancy test — accurately detected the potentially deadly opioid fentanyl in street drug samples.
- Answers questions about substance abuse, its symptoms, different types of treatment, and recovery.
- Online Retailers: Numerous websites specialize in harm reduction supplies. Consider searching on popular platforms or specific sites that focus on health and safety products.
- Local Pharmacies: Some pharmacies may carry fentanyl test strips. It’s advisable to call ahead and check their availability.
- Harm Reduction Organizations: Many nonprofit organizations distribute these strips for free or at a low cost. Reaching out to local health departments can provide leads on nearby distribution points.
- Community Health Clinics: Clinics that focus on addiction treatment often offer fentanyl test strips as part of their services.
Unlocking Federal Funding For Fentanyl Test Strips Will Save Lives
Benefits of Using Fentanyl Test Strips
Using these strips provides several key benefits:
- Prevention of Overdoses: Early detection can alert users to the presence of fentanyl, potentially saving lives.
- Informed Decisions: Users can make safer choices if they are aware of the substances they are consuming.
- Lower Stigma: The availability of these strips helps normalize discussions around substance use and harm reduction.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are fentanyl test strips accurate?
Generally, fentanyl test strips have been shown to be reliable; however, their accuracy can depend on various factors like sample preparation and strip quality.
2. How do I use fentanyl test strips?
To use fentanyl test strips, dissolve a small sample of the substance in water, dip the strip into the solution, and wait a few minutes for results.
3. Can I trust online sources for purchasing these strips?
Yes, but ensure you choose reputable sites with positive reviews. Look for organizations focused on harm reduction for the best options.
Conclusion
Understanding where can I buy fentanyl test strips can empower individuals to make safer choices regarding their substance use. These strips serve as a critical resource in combating the opioid crisis and promoting public health initiatives.
