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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.
The CDC, the American Medical Association, and numerous other agencies and researchers have endorsed the use of fentanyl test strips, and substantial research shows their value in overdose prevention. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a device to detect fentanyl in urine, but harm-reduction activists discovered the secondary, off-label use for testing drugs a few years ago, according to Singer. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid—50 to 100 times more potent than heroin—that has transformed the illicit drug landscape in the U.S. since over the past decade. Over 40% of counterfeit prescription pills had lethal amounts of fentanyl in 2021, according to the Drug Enforcement Agency.
The Executive Order signed today represents the City’s agreement with these policies and a further step to support harm reduction strategies. The Massachusetts state Senate voted unanimously to legalize fentanyl test strips across the commonwealth earlier this month. The paper indicators had been considered illegal drug paraphernalia as they could be used to test whether the highly powerful, dangerous synthetic opioid was present in a sample. Many street drugs have been found to contain fentanyl, which has become a leading cause of overdose death. While there are other methods confirming the presence of fentanyl in one’s drug supply, such as the use of Raman spectroscopy and FTIR spectroscopy, prior research has found that the BTNX Inc.
Staunch conservatives were deeply opposed to the strips—which allow people to test drugs for traces of fentanyl—for years, arguing that they enabled drug abuse. A mass of Republican-controlled legislatures, including Utah, Kentucky and Mississippi, have backtracked in recent months and welcomed policy to decriminalize the strips. The move to decriminalize Fentanyl test strips comes after an alarming spike in the number of overdose deaths in recent years.
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Because of the War on Drugs and criminalization of people who use drugs, people often are unaware of the exact composition of the substances they’re using. This makes evidence-based harm reduction strategies such as fentanyl test strips, safety planning, and access to safe supply more vital than ever. Fentanyl test strips (FTS) can detect the presence of fentanyl in both opioids and non-opioids. We offer free fentanyl test strip kits, as well as informational resources, to encourage safer use practices and prevent overdose deaths.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is 50-100 times stronger than morphine. It is often mixed with other drugs like heroin, cocaine, and counterfeit pills, making it difficult for users to know if they are ingesting fentanyl. This has led to a surge in overdose deaths in recent years. Fentanyl test strips are a simple and effective way to detect the presence of fentanyl in drugs, and can help prevent accidental overdoses.
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What Are Fentanyl Test Strips?
Fentanyl test strips are small strips of paper that can detect the presence of fentanyl in drugs. They work by reacting to the presence of fentanyl in a sample of drug residue or urine. The strip changes color if fentanyl is present, indicating that the drug may be dangerous to use.
Where to Buy Fentanyl Test Strips
Fentanyl test strips are available for purchase online and in some brick-and-mortar stores. Here are some places where you can buy fentanyl test strips:
- Online retailers: There are several online retailers that sell fentanyl test strips, including Amazon, eBay, and DanceSafe. Make sure to read reviews and check the seller’s ratings before making a purchase.
- Drug harm reduction organizations: Many drug harm reduction organizations, such as the National Harm Reduction Coalition and the Harm Reduction Coalition, sell fentanyl test strips. These organizations often have a wealth of information on drug safety and can provide additional resources.
- Syringe exchange programs: Syringe exchange programs, which provide clean needles and other harm reduction supplies to people who inject drugs, often carry fentanyl test strips. These programs are typically run by local health departments or community organizations.
How to Use Fentanyl Test Strips
Using fentanyl test strips is simple and straightforward. Here are the steps to follow:
- Collect a sample of drug residue or urine in a small container.
- Dip the fentanyl test strip into the container for about 15 seconds, making sure to saturate the strip.
- Lay the strip flat on a clean surface and wait for the results. It may take up to 5 minutes for the strip to show a result.
- Check the strip for a control line and a test line. If the test line is present, the drug does not contain fentanyl. If the test line is absent, the drug may contain fentanyl.
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FAQs
- According to the CDC 82.3% of opioid overdose deaths in 2020 involved synthetic opioids, like Fentanyl.
- 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.
- That means if you buy things like Percocet, Vicodin or OxyContin you didn’t get from a pharmacy with a prescription, you need to assume they are fakes that contain fatal amounts of fentanyl.
- Learn about the nation’s drug overdose and death epidemic, and the efforts made by physicians to end the epidemic in this AMA Advocacy Insights webinar.
- The DEA sampled tablets seized nationwide between January and March 2019.
Are fentanyl test strips accurate?
Yes, fentanyl test strips are highly accurate and can detect even small amounts of fentanyl in a sample. However, they are not foolproof and may give false negatives if the sample contains a low concentration of fentanyl.
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Can fentanyl test strips detect other opioids?
No, fentanyl test strips are specifically designed to detect fentanyl and its best dark web sites 2024 analogs. They will not detect other opioids like heroin or oxycodone.
Are fentanyl test strips legal?
Yes, fentanyl test strips are legal in most states. However, some states have laws that restrict the sale and distribution dark web site porn of drug testing equipment, so it’s important to check your local laws before purchasing fentanyl test strips.
Can I use fentanyl test strips on pills?
Yes, fentanyl test strips can be used on pills. However, it’s important to note that crushing pills can be dangerous and may release harmful substances. It’s best to use fentanyl test strips on drug residue or urine.
Where can I get more information on drug safety?
There are many resources available on drug safety, including the National Harm Reduction Coalition, the Harm Reduction Coalition, and the Drug Policy Alliance. These organizations provide information on drug safety, harm reduction, and drug policy reform.
