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Understanding Fentanyl Test Strips
It is commonly mixed with drugs like heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine and made into pills that resemble other prescription opioids such as oxycodone. Drugs mixed with fentanyl are extremely dangerous, and many people may be unaware that their drugs contain fentanyl. It is nearly impossible to tell if drugs have been laced with fentanyl without the use of fentanyl test strips because fentanyl cannot be seen, smelled, or tasted. SHAWNEE – Today, Governor Laura Kelly joined legislators and advocates in Shawnee to sign Senate Bill 174, a bipartisan bill that decriminalizes fentanyl test strips. Decriminalizing test strips, which can detect the presence of fentanyl in other substances, will help prevent overdose deaths in Kansas.
Fentanyl test strips are a vital harm reduction tool used to detect the presence of fentanyl in substances. These strips have gained popularity due to the alarming rise in fentanyl-related overdoses.
Offers support for people seeking recovery or support from alcoholism. In 2014, the Pennsylvania Department of Health released a standing order, which allows anyone to visit a pharmacy and receive Naloxone without a prescription. The medication may not be available for same-day pickup, but it can often be ordered and available within a day or two. If a pharmacy does not have it in stock, request that it be ordered or ask if another location has it in stock.
In its mission to decrease the number of overdose deaths caused by the contamination of the illicit drug supply with fentanyl, Overdose Lifeline is able to supply Fentanyl test strips to Indiana residents. These are a simple tool that can test a drug supply for Fentanyl and its analogs to prevent a drug overdose. First, as the average follow-up time frame was less than a month, some participants did not have an opportunity to try the FTS, given that some reported a lack of opportunity to either buy or use the drugs in the study’s timeframe. Many of the participants who had not used FTS during the study had expressed that given a longer time frame for use, they would have tried the FTS.
Additional studies are also needed to determine the sensitivity and specificity of using immunoassay tests on drugs directly and in real-world, non-clinical settings. More than 90% of participants reported willingness to use rapid test strips regardless of having ever overdosed, suggesting that rapid fentanyl testing is an acceptable harm reduction intervention among young people who use drugs in Rhode Island. Study follow-up is ongoing to determine whether, how, and under what circumstances participants used the rapid test strips and if a positive result contributed to changes in overdose risk behavior. The staggering increase in drug overdose deaths has been driven largely by the high prevalence of potent synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl, in the U.S. drug supply. One tool to respond to this crisis is the use of drug checking equipment, such as fentanyl test strips.
For example, fentanyl test strips remain illegal in Texas despite their ability to save lives by preventing fatal overdoses. There have been many accounts of both marijuana and other cannabinoid products being contaminated with fentanyl, but few confirmed reports. Unfortunately, any off-market product has the potential risk of contamination. At this time, there are no clear guidelines as to how FTS could be used to detect fentanyl in these substances. In absence of the option to test, people planning to use these substances should always use safer use strategies and have naloxone on hand.
Where Can I Buy Fentanyl Test Strips?
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. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid used for treating severe pain and is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. Most recent cases of fentanyl-related harm, overdose and death in the United States are linked to illicitly made fentanyl. Illicitly made fentanyl is often found in counterfeit pills, which are made to look like prescription drugs or may be added to other illicit drugs such as methamphetamine or cocaine. The risk of overdose exists when fentanyl is present given its potency and uncertain amount in the drug supply, but risk is especially high among persons who are not tolerant to it and may not be aware of the presence of fentanyl in what they are using.
Searching for reliable sources of fentanyl test strips can be puzzling. Here are some options to consider:
- Additional fentanyl test kits and doses of NARCAN® will be purchased and distributed with funds made available from the National Prescription Opiate Litigation settlement funds.
- Since the province declared a public health emergency nearly two years ago.
- Remember that one dose may not be representative of a whole batch, so it’s recommended to test every time you use.
- Though this participant was not using drugs during the study period, she advised a friend who was using drugs to go slower because of the positive FTS.
- Local Pharmacies: Many local pharmacies have started to stock fentanyl test strips as part of their harm reduction initiatives. Check with your local pharmacy to see if they carry these strips.
- Online Retailers: Websites like Amazon, eBay, and specialized health and safety websites offer fentanyl test strips. Look for reputable sellers to ensure you are getting a quality product.
- Nonprofit Organizations: Various public health organizations and nonprofits offer fentanyl test strips either for free or at a reduced cost. They may have distribution events or programs to assist those in need.
- Harm Reduction Centers: Many cities have harm reduction centers that provide fentanyl test strips and other resources for individuals at risk of drug overdoses.
For What Purposes Are They Used?
Fentanyl test strips are primarily used for the following purposes:
- Drug Safety: The strips help individuals test substances for the presence of fentanyl, which can reduce the risk of overdose.
- Awareness and Education: Using the strips promotes awareness about the dangers of fentanyl, encouraging conversations about substance use.
- Empowerment: Providing individuals with the means to test their drugs allows for a more informed decision-making process regarding their safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are fentanyl test strips made of?
Fentanyl test strips are designed similarly to pregnancy tests, using antibodies to detect the presence of fentanyl in a sample.
Are fentanyl test strips legal?
Yes, fentanyl test strips are legal in most places, but regulations can vary by state or region. It’s essential to verify the local laws.
How accurate are these test strips?
While fentanyl test strips can provide quick results, their accuracy can vary. They have been found to identify fentanyl accurately in many cases, but false negatives can occur, especially with lower concentrations of the drug.
How do I use fentanyl test strips?
Using a fentanyl test strip involves:
- Mix a small amount of the substance with water.
- Dip the test strip in the solution for the specified time.
- Wait for the results to appear to determine the presence of fentanyl.
Conclusion
Finding out where can I buy fentanyl test strips is crucial for individuals who engage with substances that could be contaminated with fentanyl. As awareness and harm reduction efforts grow, these strips play a key role in promoting safety and reducing overdose risks. Always choose reliable sources to ensure the quality and effectiveness of the test strips.
