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As highlighted in a December CDC report, Fentanyl has risen to become the most lethal drug in the United States. This synthetic opioid is often combined with other illegal substances, yet its potency far exceeds that of the drugs it is typically mixed with. Consequently, what might appear to be a relatively safe dose can prove fatal, and without testing, there's no way to discern the danger.
Thankfully, a solution exists: fentanyl test strips, originally designed to detect the drug in urine, can be easily adapted to test substances before consumption. The Harm Reduction Coalition provides detailed guidance here, outlining the following steps:
Clean the bag or container that held the drug using sterile water. (For pills, crush the entire pill and dissolve it in water.)
Immerse the test strip in the water for 15 seconds.
Lay the strip flat (preferably on a sterile surface) and interpret the results. Two lines indicate no fentanyl was found; one line signifies its presence.
While the strips cannot quantify the amount of fentanyl present, they effectively indicate its presence or absence.
Once you receive the test results, the next steps are entirely your decision. A substance isn't automatically safe simply because it lacks fentanyl. While avoiding the drug altogether is the wisest choice if fentanyl is detected, some individuals may still proceed with caution. The Harm Reduction Coalition advises that “risk reduction strategies might involve using smaller amounts, administering slow or test doses, avoiding solo use, keeping a naloxone rescue kit nearby, or abstaining entirely.” If you or someone you know uses opioids, it’s crucial to keep naloxone accessible and understand how to administer it.
Reach out to your local harm reduction organization to inquire about obtaining free test strips. (These groups often manage initiatives like needle exchanges, naloxone training, and supervised consumption sites.) If unavailable locally, you can purchase them online for approximately $2 per strip from vendors such as DanceSafe.
Updated 2/3/2019: Two lines indicate that fentanyl is not present. Always verify the instructions provided with your strips or by your local harm reduction agency.
