Fentanyl Test Strips

Fentanyl test strips are a harm reduction tool that can help detect fentanyl in drugs before use. Fentanyl is a very strong opioid that may be present in pills, powders, or other substances without someone knowing.

Why Use Fentanyl Test Strips?

• Counterfeit pills and other drugs may contain fentanyl, even if they look like real prescription medication.
• Testing can help reduce the risk of accidental overdose.
• Test strips are simple to use and provide results in a few minutes.

How to Use a Test Strip

• Follow the instructions included with your specific test strips.
• For the most accurate result, test everything you intend to use when possible.
• If testing only a portion, crush and mix the sample well first.
• Dissolve the sample in the correct amount of water.
• Dip the test strip into the liquid for the amount of time listed in the instructions.
• Place the strip on a flat surface and wait before reading the result.

Understanding Results

• Positive: One line usually means fentanyl was detected.
• Negative: Two lines usually means fentanyl was not detected. The second line may be very faint.
• Invalid: No lines, or a result that does not match the instructions, means the test did not work. Use a new strip.

Important Limitations

• A negative result does not guarantee that a substance is completely free from fentanyl or other synthetic opioids.
• Test strips may not detect every fentanyl analog.
• False positives and false negatives are possible with any rapid test.
• Testing a small portion may miss fentanyl if it is unevenly distributed.

Reduce Overdose Risk

• Carry naloxone, also known as Narcan.
• Avoid using alone when possible.
• Start with a very small amount and go slowly.
• Call 911 right away if someone is unresponsive, breathing slowly, or showing signs of overdose.

Fentanyl test strips are a safety tool, but they do not make drug use risk-free.