Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is often mixed with other drugs, leading to an increase in overdose deaths. With its potency, it is crucial to have access to reliable fentanyl test strips to ensure safety when using or handling substances.
Why Use Fentanyl Test Strips?
Overdose Prevention in Nightlife Training Video
Fentanyl, a deadly opioid, is being added to drugs like heroin, cocaine, and pills. Fentanyl test strips can tell you whether there is fentanyl in drugs. 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. WASHINGTON — Texans in Congress are pushing bipartisan legislation to increase access to fentanyl testing strips after a similar effort fizzled in the Texas Legislature earlier this year.
Fentanyl test strips are a convenient and effective tool for detecting the presence of fentanyl in various substances. These strips work by detecting even small traces of fentanyl, providing valuable information about the composition of a drug mixture.
Where to Find Fentanyl Test Strips?
Infographic: Fentanyl Test Strips
When searching for fentanyl test strips, there are several options to consider:
New Tool To Combat Overdose Deaths: Fentanyl Test Strips
- Online Retailers: Many online retailers specialize in selling harm reduction supplies and offer fentanyl test strips for purchase. These platforms provide a convenient way to order the test strips discreetly from the comfort of your own home.
- Local Pharmacies: Some local pharmacies carry fentanyl test strips, especially those that cater to harm reduction programs or individuals at risk of fentanyl exposure. It’s recommended to call ahead to check availability.
- Harm Reduction Organizations: Various harm reduction organizations and clinics may distribute fentanyl test strips for free or at a reduced cost. These organizations are committed to promoting safer substance use practices and can be found in many communities.
It’s important to note that regulations surrounding the sale and distribution of fentanyl test strips may vary depending on your location. Therefore, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with local laws and guidelines to ensure compliance.
Drugs & Supplements
Using Fentanyl Test Strips Safely
When using fentanyl test strips, it’s crucial to follow the instructions provided with the product. Here are some general guidelines:
- As of April 2021, federal guidance explicitly permits FTS purchase with health and social service funds.
- Under the supervision of a licensed medical professional, fentanyl has a legitimate medical use.
- Opioids have played a role in the crisis, but the problem runs much deeper than the drugs themselves.
- Participants then received ten FTS for personal use and were asked to return 2–4 weeks later to complete a brief quantitative and structured qualitative interview.
- The Philadelphia District Attorney and Pennsylvania Attorney General have publicly announced their own policies of declining to prosecute individuals possessing or distributing fentanyl test strips for harm reduction purposes.
- NARCAN® also can be purchased at more than 500 pharmacies without a prescription under a standing order.
- Observe Safety Precautions: Wear gloves and ensure proper ventilation when handling substances that may contain fentanyl.
- Prepare the Test Strip: Dip the test strip into a small amount of the substance or solution you want to test. Be cautious not to contaminate the strip with other substances.
- Wait for Results: Depending on the specific test strip, you will need to wait a designated period for the results to appear. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding the waiting time.
- Interpreting Results: The presence of fentanyl will be indicated by the appearance of certain lines or colors on the test strip. Refer to the instructions to understand how to interpret the results correctly.
- Dispose Properly: After use, dispose of the test strip and any tested substances safely and according to local regulations. Remember to handle all substances with caution.
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). While California has made some positive strides in the fight against opioids (the latest data show that prescriptions in the state are down), deaths from one particularly powerful opioid, fentanyl, are up. The strips developed by the biotechnology company BTNX based in Toronto, Canada, are only sold to governments and harm reduction programs. CEO and founder Iqbal Sunderani said the state of California is his biggest customer. The approach aims to protect people who are engaged in higher-risk behaviour while at the same time, supporting them towards treatment and recovery.
“I have directed my office to treat addiction as a disease, not a crime, and we will not prosecute individuals for simply possessing fentanyl test strips, which are categorized by the state as drug paraphernalia. These test strips save lives and by distributing them, the city is giving those struggling with substance use disorder a tool to avoid overdosing. Fentanyl is a poison ravaging our neighborhoods and is largely responsible for the dramatic uptick in overdose deaths we have suffered over the past year,” said Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro. Health departments and community-based organizations across the country have been stepping up to respond to the opioid crisis.
Conclusion
Fentanyl test strips are an important tool in promoting safer substance use and reducing the risk of accidental overdose. Whether purchasing online, checking local pharmacies, or reaching out to harm reduction organizations, it is possible to find and obtain these essential testing supplies. By using fentanyl test strips correctly and understanding their results, individuals can make informed decisions and take necessary precautions to protect themselves and others from potential harm.
