Understanding Fentanyl Test Strips
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- 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.
- Police evidence that looked like black tar heroin actually was heroin in 95% of cases, suggesting that fentanyl was rarely in “heroin” in 2020.
- It’s important to note that while Fentanyl testing strips have been decriminalized in the state of Florida, they may still remain “illegal,” meaning the law may still allow police to confiscate them.
- On a daily basis they still use, so I felt like it was very important to have (Respondent 55, white female, age 28, residue testing group).
- Further studies should examine which fentanyl analogs are able to be detected in urine or drugs and to what degree of sensitivity.
- Third, adaptations to the kit and distribution approaches emerged.
Fentanyl test strips are a vital harm reduction tool that help individuals assess the presence of fentanyl in recreational drugs. As the opioid crisis continues to impact communities, knowing where to buy fentanyl test strips can be crucial for personal safety.
Delaware operates a mail order program where residents can order 10 free test strips. Wisconsin allows residents to pick up free test strips at a designated location. Fentanyl test strips are free for all New Yorkers if they order the test strips through their partner provider. Nevada provides residents with a list of locations where to secure test strips. The National Harm Reduction online Naloxone finding resource also identifies physical locations in a community that offer fentanyl test strips for free. 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.
One way to keep people safe is to give them knowledge of what it is that they’re using. Fentanyl test strips are not a panacea, but they are a way for someone to know if fentanyl is present or not. The fentanyl test strips given away were packaged into kits including 10 strips, each with instructions on how to use them, a pocket-sized set of instructions with pictures, and information on fentanyl. The kits also included a NEXT Distro card, which is a mail-based program where people can receive free Narcan and fentanyl test strips. More than 1,900 people have died of illicit drug overdoses in B.C. Since the province declared a public health emergency nearly two years ago.
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. While pharmaceutical fentanyl is prescribed for severe pain and end of life care, non-pharmaceutical fentanyl is produced illicitly and is now common in the illicit drug supply. The presence of non-pharmaceutical fentanyl in New York City has dramatically increased the number of overdose deaths, and fentanyl is now the most common drug involved in overdose deaths. In 2020, 1,580 New Yorkers died from a fentanyl-involved overdose.
The potent synthetic has already killed 30 people in Vermont in 2018, more than heroin and prescription opioids combined, according to state data. “Criminalizing fentanyl test strips is like outlawing water hoses during a house fire — it won’t fix the problem, and it’ll get people killed,” Crockett said in a May statement. Most are at least 96% accurate in detecting fentanyl as well as many fentanyl analogs (drugs that are chemically similar but not identical to fentanyl).
To obtain Narcan or fentanyl test strips please check the locations below. All locations are confidential and no identifying information is collected, retained or shared with any other agency including Law Enforcement. These sites are not affiliated with any Law Enforcement Agency and no Law Enforcement Officers are present. You can’t see, smell or taste fentanyl when it’s mixed with other drugs.
On a daily basis they still use, so I felt like it was very important to have (Respondent 55, white female, age 28, residue testing group). But it’s (fentanyl) going to show up in the test, so it is kind of worth it. 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).
A tiny amount – as little as two grains of salt – is enough to kill someone. With information from the test, a person can take steps to reduce their risk of an overdose. In Wisconsin, fentanyl is present in many drugs, including cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine, as well as pills made to resemble prescription medications. Because fentanyl is unable to be detected by sight, taste, smell, or touch, people taking drugs not purchased from a licensed pharmacy should always use fentanyl test strips. Fentanyl test strips do not provide information about the amount or strength of fentanyl in a drug supply.
Why Use Fentanyl Test Strips?
Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid that is often mixed with other substances, making it extremely dangerous. Using fentanyl test strips allows users to:
- Detect Fentanyl: Identify the presence of fentanyl in substances like heroin, cocaine, or pills.
- Reduce Overdose Risk: Make safer choices based on the knowledge of what is in their drugs.
- Empower Users: Support informed decision-making regarding drug use.
New AMA Report Details Grim Realities Of Worsening Overdose Epidemic
Where to Buy Fentanyl Test Strips
Finding where to buy fentanyl test strips can vary based on location and local regulations. Here are some common options:
- Pharmacies: Many local pharmacies now carry fentanyl test strips. It’s best to call ahead to confirm availability.
- Online Retailers: Websites such as Amazon or specialized harm reduction organizations offer fentanyl test strips for purchase.
- Harm Reduction Organizations: Many non-profits provide free or low-cost fentanyl test strips in communities heavily impacted by opioid use.
- Health Departments: Some state or local health departments have programs distributing test strips as part of their public health initiatives.
How to Use Fentanyl Test Strips
Using fentanyl test strips is a straightforward process. Here’s how to do it:
- Prepare the Sample: Dissolve a small amount of the drug in water.
- Dip the Strip: Immerse the test strip into the solution for 15 seconds.
- Wait: Allow 2-5 minutes to pass for results.
- Read the Results: A single line indicates the absence of fentanyl, while a second line shows its presence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are fentanyl test strips legal?
Yes, fentanyl test strips are legal in many places, but local laws vary. Always check the regulations in your area.
2. How accurate are fentanyl test strips?
While fentanyl test strips are generally reliable, they may not detect all forms or analogs of fentanyl. They are a useful tool but should not be solely relied upon for safety.
3. Can fentanyl test strips be reused?
No, fentanyl test strips are designed for single-use only. Reusing them will not provide accurate results.
4. Do I need a prescription to buy fentanyl test strips?
No prescription is typically required. You can purchase them directly from pharmacies, online retailers, or harm reduction groups.
Final Thoughts
Knowing where to buy fentanyl test strips is an important step in safeguarding oneself or loved ones against the dangers posed by counterfeit or adulterated drugs. Whether through pharmacies, online, or harm reduction organizations, access to these testing tools is critical in the ongoing fight against opioid overdose deaths.
