Test strips are legal in 36 states and the District of Columbia. In states where test strips are legal for distribution, residents can find test strips for sale or for free at pharmacies, public health departments, and harm reduction centers. To these specific distribution locations in their community, people should visit their state’s public health department. Delaware operates a mail order program where residents can order 10 free test strips.
Understanding Fentanyl Test Strips
Xylazine Test Strips (XTS) are a tool to test drugs for the presence of xylazine, an animal tranquilizer. Research has shown the distribution and use of fentanyl test distribution to be an effective intervention against fentanyl overdose. In studies, up to 77 percent of individuals whose drugs tested positive for fentanyl took precautions to reduce their risk of overdose.
- 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.
- Another participant described how a positive FTS result contributed to a change in her “mindset” about her drug use and keeping naloxone nearby.
- In 34 states, and the District of Columbia, it’s legal to have fentanyl test strips, distribute them, or both.
- Meanwhile in Florida, the House of Representatives worked together in a rare bipartisan show of support to pass SB 164, decriminalizing fentanyl test strips on Wednesday.
- While fentanyl test strips are highly effective and seen as a key component of U.S. harm-reduction efforts, the authors wrote, there has been little research on how to maximize their potential uses.
Fentanyl test strips are vital tools in the ongoing battle against opioid overdoses. They allow users to check for the presence of fentanyl in substances, significantly increasing safety and awareness. As the opioid epidemic continues to claim lives, the accessibility of these test strips becomes essential.
Drop-in for a 15 minute session to learn how to use Narcan & Fentanyl Test Strips and get your questions answered. Fentanyl overdose can happen through touching or being near fentanyl. We do not receive any commission or fee that is dependent upon which treatment provider a caller chooses. MN residents can receive no-cost FTS kits from SRHN and our community partners. Naloxone may be able reverse the effects and stop wooden chest syndrome, however rescue breaths may not be enough to help the individual in distress; mechanical ventilation may be needed. Call 911 if you suspect that an individual is experiencing an overdose or WCS and administer naloxone right away.
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. Someone may be buying what they think is cocaine or a benzodiazepine pill, but there could be small amounts of fentanyl present. That is incredibly risky and puts them at great risk of overdose. The inexpensive strips have been embraced by treatment organizations as a way to reduce harms from illicit drug use. Nearly 40 states have legalized their use, according to the Network for Public Health Law.
The synthetic opioid claimed two thirds of the record 64,000 such fatalities in the U.S. in 2016. 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. U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, led several senators from both parties in introducing the Fentanyl Safe Testing and Overdose Prevention Act on Thursday to clarify, in federal law, that fentanyl testing strips are not considered to be drug paraphernalia.
Over 40% of counterfeit prescription pills had lethal amounts of fentanyl in 2021, according to the Drug Enforcement Agency. Even in small amounts, it can be deadly, and more than 150 people die from synthetic opioids overdoses daily, according to the U.S. SHAWNEE – Today, Governor Laura Kelly joined legislators and advocates in Shawnee to sign Senate Bill 174, a bipartisan bill that decriminalizes fentanyl test strips.
Please note the Health Department does not supply fentanyl test strips to training attendees. The CDC, the American Medical Association, and numerous other agencies and researchers have endorsed the use of fentanyl test strips, and substantial research shows their value in overdose prevention. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a device to detect fentanyl in urine, but harm-reduction activists discovered the secondary, off-label use for testing drugs a few years ago, according to Singer. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid—50 to 100 times more potent than heroin—that has transformed the illicit drug landscape in the U.S. since over the past decade.
When you use an illegal drug, there’s no guarantee that it contains what the dealer or person who gave it to you says it does. The only way to know if a drug has been contaminated with it is to test it. There are a few ways to test for fentanyl in a drug sample, but the easiest (and only do-it-yourself) option is to use a test strip. The Rapid Response™ Fentanyl (FYL) Test Strip Kit is a lateral flow chromatographic immunoassay for the qualitative detection of Fentanyl/ Norfentanyl in liquid and powder substances at the cut-off concentration of 200 ng/mL. We may ask for your zip code or other pertinent geographic information in order to track calls being routed to other offices or to accurately identify the local resources appropriate to your needs. Support for the strips has become fairly bipartisan, but small clusters of conservative lawmakers have consistently opposed legislation to increase access to the strips, such as in Texas where bills have been stalled for weeks.
Where to Buy Fentanyl Test Strips
When searching for where to buy fentanyl test strips, there are several options to consider:
- Online Retailers: Many consumers prefer the convenience of shopping online. Websites such as Amazon, eBay, and specialized harm reduction sites offer fentanyl test strips discreetly.
- Local Pharmacies: Some pharmacies carry fentanyl test strips, especially those focused on harm reduction. It’s advisable to call ahead to check availability.
- Health Departments: Local or state health departments often distribute fentanyl test strips for free or at a reduced cost. They may also provide additional resources on safe usage.
- Nonprofit Organizations: Many nonprofit organizations dedicated to fighting the opioid crisis distribute these test strips, frequently without charge. They often hold outreach events and provide education on their use.
How Safe Injection Facilities Could Reduce Fentanyl Overdoses
Why Use Fentanyl Test Strips?
There are several compelling reasons to use fentanyl test strips:
- Increased Safety: Knowing whether a substance contains fentanyl can dramatically reduce the risk of overdose.
- Empowerment: Providing individuals with the means to test their substances fosters a sense of control over their choices.
- Harm Reduction: These strips are part of a larger harm reduction strategy, promoting safer use practices and education.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are fentanyl test strips legal?
Yes, fentanyl test strips are legal in many regions, but it’s crucial to check local laws as regulations can vary.
2. How do I use fentanyl test strips?
The process typically involves dissolving a small amount of the substance in water, dipping the test strip, and waiting for results. Each package contains specific instructions that should be followed carefully.
3. Can I trust the results of fentanyl test strips?
While fentanyl test strips are effective at detecting the presence of fentanyl, they may not identify all dangerous substances. Users should still exercise caution and avoid using alone whenever possible.
4. Where can I get more information about fentanyl test strips?
Additional information is available through local health departments, nonprofit organizations, and reputable online resources dedicated to harm reduction.
Conclusion
Knowing where to buy fentanyl test strips is a crucial step in enhancing personal safety and combating the opioid epidemic. By utilizing these resources, individuals can make more informed decisions and protect themselves from the devastating impacts of fentanyl. Education and accessibility are key components in the effort to reduce overdose rates and promote healthy, safe practices.
