Where Can I Buy Fentanyl Test Strips

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Understanding Fentanyl Test Strips

Feb 23, 2024: Advocacy Update Spotlight On The 2024 National Advocacy Conference

1 Study Design And Recruitment

Fentanyl test strips are essential tools for harm reduction, allowing users to detect the presence of fentanyl in various substances.

We want to meet people where they’re at today with their drug use so that we can keep them with us and build that trust. Then, if and when they want to change their use – maybe stop, reduce or switch to a safer drug – we’re here for them. Still, in some states, they continue to be illegal because they are considered “drug paraphernalia” under older drug laws.

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. I used one for myself, and then, the other nine I gave to my cousin who is a drug dealer, um, and I told him to give me nine samples of his dope, and I followed the video that I watched … And out of the nine that came back, seven were positive for fentanyl. So, I told him, you either have seven murder charges on your record, and you have the rest of your life in prison, you don’t get to see your kids get married, graduate.

As the opioid crisis continues to impact communities, having access to reliable testing methods becomes crucial. This prompts the question: where can I buy fentanyl test strips?

Beginning in May 2017, we recruited participants from the 2015 RAPIDS study, 61% of whom previously agreed to be contacted for future research studies. The eligibility criteria for RAPIDS included being aged 18 to 29, residing in Rhode Island, not currently being in alcohol or substance abuse treatment programs, and reporting past 30-day non-medical use of prescription opioids. From May to September 2017, we recruited additional young adults who use drugs in Rhode Island through internet advertisements (e.g., Craigslist and Reddit), digital bus advertisements, public canvassing, and word of mouth. We expanded the age and drug use eligibility criteria created based on our recent research of the fentanyl overdose epidemic in Rhode Island [19].

The powerful opioid fentanyl has been found in everything from methamphetamine and cocaine to marijuana and fake Adderall pills. Nearly 6,000 Californians died from fentanyl overdoses in 2021 alone. Cruelly, about one in every 25 of those deaths was a child 19 or younger, according to the latest data from the California Overdose Surveillance Dashboard. Fentanyl has been found in many different drugs, including heroin, cocaine, crack, methamphetamine and ketamine. It can also be found in pills from nonmedical sources, pressed into counterfeit pills to look like prescription painkillers or benzodiazepines, such as Xanax® Klonopin®, and Valium®. Of course, the safest option is not to use illegal drugs at all or to seek out a drug addiction treatment program if you need help stopping.

While harm reduction strategies like Fentanyl test strips and Narcan are vital steps in treating drug addiction, the safest way to avoid an overdose is abstinence. While this is assuredly easier said than done, treatment programs exist to help bridge the gap between harm reduction and long-term recovery. Currently, Fentanyl test strips can be found in several locations.

Kids, for example, might get a pill at a party, and it may look legitimate, but it’s not. Anyone can buy a press to make pills that look just like prescription drugs these days. UC San Francisco Volunteer Assistant Clinical Professor in Clinical Pharmacy Tessa Rife-Pennington, PharmD, BCGP, works at the San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center and with UCSF’s Addiction Research Program.

Where to Purchase Fentanyl Test Strips

There are several avenues to acquire fentanyl test strips effectively:

• Online Retailers: Many websites specialize in harm reduction supplies. Some popular options include:

Based on prior research at an SIF in Vancouver, we purchased rapid fentanyl urine test strips, which have a detection level of 20 ng/ml [28]. The rapid fentanyl test strips are single-use immunoassay tests for the qualitative detection of fentanyl and norfentanyl [29]. The tests are advertised as being able to detect fentanyl analogs such carfentanil, acetyl fentanyl, and butyryl fentanyl, but further research is needed to determine if the tests are able to detect other novel fentanyl analogs [30]. We purchased the strips in bulk for approximately $1 USD for a single, individually packaged fentanyl test strip.

Rapid test strips, which can be used to detect the presence of fentanyl in drug samples (before use) or urine (after use), may help inform people about their exposure risk. The purpose of this study was to determine whether young adults who use drugs were willing to use rapid test strips as a harm reduction intervention to prevent overdose. We hypothesized that those who had ever overdosed would be more willing to use the test strips.

• AID for AIDS International
• TESTSTRIPS
• Amazon (check product reviews and seller ratings)
• Local Health Departments: Many health departments distribute fentanyl test strips free of charge or at a subsidized cost. Contact your local health department to inquire about availability.
• Community Organizations: Non-profit organizations focused on harm reduction may offer fentanyl test strips. Look for local outreach programs or needle exchange services.
• Pharmacies: Some pharmacies have begun stocking fentanyl test strips as demand increases. Check with your local pharmacy to see if they offer them.

Why Use Fentanyl Test Strips?

Using fentanyl test strips can significantly affect safety for individuals who use drugs by:

• Identifying fentanyl presence, reducing the risk of overdose.
• Empowering users to make informed decisions about usage.
• Encouraging safer practices, such as testing small amounts before using a substance.

How to Use Fentanyl Test Strips

• Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid typically prescribed to treat patients with chronic severe pain or severe pain following surgery.
• Since the widespread introduction of illicitly manufactured fentanyl into the drug supply in North America in 2013 [11], fentanyl-related deaths have sharply increased [8, 14].
• We will update our website as well as The Center’s Facebook and Instagram to share the latest updates.
• You can request that free naloxone and test strips be mailed discreetly to your home after taking a brief online training.

For those who successfully acquire these test strips, using them is straightforward:

1. Prepare a sample of the substance you wish to test.
2. Dissolve a small amount in a specified amount of water.
3. Dip the test strip into the solution for the recommended time.
4. Wait for the result window to display the outcome.
5. Interpret the results according to the instructions provided.

FAQs

1. Are fentanyl test strips legal?

Yes, fentanyl test strips are legal in many states, but regulations may vary. Always check local laws before purchasing.

2. Do I need training to use fentanyl test strips?

No formal training is necessary, but understanding the instructions and correct usage is vital for accurate results.

3. How accurate are fentanyl test strips?

While fentanyl test strips are a useful tool, they may not detect all forms of fentanyl or its analogs. Always consider additional safety measures.

4. Can I use fentanyl test strips for all substances?

Fentanyl test strips are designed specifically for detecting fentanyl, but some can be used for other synthetic opioids. Check the product details.

Access to fentanyl test strips is crucial in mitigating overdose risks and promoting safety among users. By knowing where can I buy fentanyl test strips, individuals can take proactive steps in harm reduction strategies.