Texans In Congress Lead Bipartisan Efforts To Allow Fentanyl Test Strips
Where to Buy Fentanyl Test Strips
Nearly 40 states have legalized their use, according to the Network for Public Health Law. The Gazette spoke with Sarah Wakeman, the senior medical director for Substance Use Disorder at Mass General Brigham about the legal shift over use of the products. In 90 days and amidst pandemic stay-at-home orders and suspension of all nonessential services, FTS pilot partners distributed hundreds of kits, leading directly to referrals for supporting services such as drug treatment, wound care, food, and housing. Regardless of the pandemic, PWUD and their social networks needed services and FTS pilot partners strived to meet those needs.
People struggling with substance use can contact the Wisconsin Addiction Recovery Helpline to be connected to treatment options. Some people may also prefer to take an “upper” like cocaine or methamphetamine mixed with a “downer” like fentanyl for the combined effects. It costs Jess Tilley $1 to purchase a fentanyl test strip—a small sum, until you consider that she’s buying them by the hundreds. The legislation comes after a bill to decriminalize the test strips passed the Texas House but died in the Senate despite support from Gov. Greg Abbott. Learn more about physicians’ actions toward ending the nation’s drug-related overdose and death epidemic—and what still needs to be done. The nation’s drug-related overdose and death epidemic demands immediate and collective action, with physicians taking the lead.
If you’re using opioids in Massachusetts, you’re almost certainly using fentanyl. Fentanyl overdoses and deaths have increased over the past few years. Most people don’t know it is a synthetic opioid up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. A friend of mine was shooting up and before they did that I said let me test it, so I grabbed the cap after they used it and I tested it, and it was positive for fentanyl. And they, asked me what exactly fentanyl does and I said it’s way stronger than your heroin and it has the potential to kill you with a drop.
As awareness of the dangers associated with fentanyl continues to grow, more individuals and organizations are seeking ways to test for this potent opioid in various substances. Fentanyl test strips have emerged as an essential tool for harm reduction, enabling users to identify the presence of fentanyl in drugs. This article explores where to buy fentanyl test strips and other relevant information regarding their use.
Protestors gathered at the office of the committee leader, Senator Joan Huffman, last week, demanding that lawmakers take action. When the test strips emerged as a viable drug checking option in 2019, opposition was much stronger than it is today, especially among vocal conservatives. Fentanyl test strips are often regarded as a “low-cost, high-impact” harm-reduction strategy—they are about 97% accurate; are compatible with most injectable, powder, or pill drugs; and cost only $1 per test. Anyone using heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, ecstasy, or other substances can dissolve a tiny amount of their product—less than the size of a grain of rice—in water, dip the strip in the solution and wait a few minutes for the test result. As part of our harm reduction plan at UCSC Student Health Services, SHOP and the Cove have partnered to provide Naloxone and Fentanyl Testing Strips (FTS) to our students. Our aim is to keep students safe and reduce the risk of overdose death.
Understanding Fentanyl Test Strips
If you’re using pills, you’ll need to crush a pill on a clean surface before dissolving it in 1 tablespoon of water. If you plan to use IV drugs, prepare the shot, set the needle aside, and add about one-fifth teaspoon of water to the spoon/cooker with the drug. When you use an illegal drug, there’s no guarantee that it contains what the dealer or person who gave it to you says it does. The only way to know if a drug has been contaminated with it is to test it. There are a few ways to test for fentanyl in a drug sample, but the easiest (and only do-it-yourself) option is to use a test strip. The Rapid Response™ Fentanyl (FYL) Test Strip Kit is a lateral flow chromatographic immunoassay for the qualitative detection of Fentanyl/ Norfentanyl in liquid and powder substances at the cut-off concentration of 200 ng/mL.
Participants were instructed that a negative result could still mean their drugs contained other fentanyl analogs or drug contaminants and that the tests did not reveal the quantity of fentanyl, only its presence or absence. Participants were asked if they had any questions regarding the videos or handout. Participants were then provided with ten strips to take home and a printout of what a positive or negative result looked like. Participants also received resources which included fentanyl harm reduction suggestions, instructions on how to recognize an opioid overdose, and information on local resources.
Fentanyl test strips are simple, cost-effective tools designed to detect the presence of fentanyl in powder drugs or injectable substances. Users can easily conduct a test using a small sample, providing a critical means of reducing overdose risks associated with fentanyl-laced substances.
Purchasing Locations
There are several options available for purchasing fentanyl test strips:
- Online Retailers: Numerous online platforms offer fentanyl test strips, ensuring discreet purchasing options. Popular websites to consider include:
- Amazon
- eBay
- Specialized health retailers
- Harm reduction organizations’ websites
- Local Pharmacies: Some pharmacies may stock fentanyl test strips. It’s advisable to call ahead to confirm availability.
- Harm Reduction Programs: Many local harm reduction organizations distribute fentanyl test strips for free or at a reduced cost. Connecting with these groups can provide additional resources and support.
- Health Departments: Local health departments frequently run initiatives focusing on overdose prevention. These initiatives often include distributing fentanyl test strips.
FAQs about Fentanyl Test Strips
What are fentanyl test strips used for?
Fentanyl test strips are primarily used to test drugs for the presence of fentanyl, helping users make informed decisions to reduce overdose risks.
How accurate are fentanyl test strips?
While fentanyl test strips are generally reliable, no test can guarantee complete accuracy. Users should consider additional factors, such as the testing method and the sample being tested.
Can I use fentanyl test strips with all drugs?
Yes, fentanyl test strips can be used with a variety of drugs, including powders and liquid substances. However, it is essential to follow instructions for accurate results.
- We do not receive any commission or fee that is dependent upon which treatment provider a caller chooses.
- The final event was a concert and mutual aid event hosted by Savage Sisters, Operation In My Backyard, and the South Philly Lunch with Punks.
- Test the presence or absence of fentanyl and many fentanyl analogs (very closely related drugs) using these urine drug tests off-label.
- A small amount of the heroin, cocaine or other substance one wishes to test, about the size of half a grain of rice, is dissolved in as little as 1/2 to 2 tablespoons of water.
Are fentanyl test strips legal?
The legality of fentanyl test strips varies by location, but they are generally legal in many areas as part of harm reduction strategies. Check local laws for specific regulations.
Final Thoughts
Accessing fentanyl test strips is crucial for individuals using drugs, as they provide a means to detect the presence of this powerful opioid. By knowing where to buy fentanyl test strips, users can take proactive steps to prioritize their safety and reduce the risks associated with drug use. Always consider reaching out to local harm reduction programs for guidance and support in your community.
