Fentanyl Crisis:
Detection & Intervention
Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid lethal at just 2 mg, is now the leading cause of death for Americans aged between 18 and 45. As of January 2024, over 190 people die daily from synthetic opioid overdoses.
To combat this rising fentanyl crisis, states first introduced free Naloxone distribution as an overdose reversal. Complementing Naloxone’s role in post-consumption, 46 states have now legalized Fentanyl Test Strip (FTS), a critical pre-consumption tool for fentanyl detection.
As a powerful preventative tool,
prioritizing and investing in Fentanyl Test Strip is essential for
Harm Reduction & saving lives
Fentanyl Test Strip (FTS) Distribution:
Impact & Prospect
FTS in Syringe Services Program (SSP):
John Hopkins study: Throughout the 6-month FTS distribution in 2 Mid-Atlantic SSPs, 70% of people who use drugs (PWUD) in Baltimore and 77% in Delaware reported FTS utilization. ​
Out of the ones who adopted FTS testing, 23% and 69% of participants in Baltimore and Delaware adopted risk reduction behaviors; 49% and 74% of them reported interest in future FTS use.
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FTS in Emergency Departments (ED):
A Northwestern University study in a Chicago ED found 85.8% of patients with opioid issues accepted FTS. Of 66 patients surveyed following a positive FTS result, 62.1% said they would discard or not use substances, while 10.6% would reduce use.
FTS Test Instructions
Bigger Sample, Better Detection
Best Method: Test Everything​
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Fentanyl can be unevenly mixed in drugs, like chocolate chips in a cookie. We strongly urge you to test everything before use to protect your safety.
Backup Method: Test a Portion
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If complete testing isn't possible, test majority of your substance, use at least 10 mg (1 microscoop) per test.
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For maximum fentanyl detection: crush any crystals, rocks, and pills into a fine powder & mix thoroughly before testing
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Sample Mixing Guide
Powder (mg) | Powder (scoop) | Water (bottle cap) | Water (mL) |
|---|---|---|---|
10 - 50 | 1 - 5 | 1 | 5 |
50 - 100 | 5 - 10 | 2 | 10 |
100 - 150 | 10 - 15 | 3 | 15 |
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Crush the pill(s) into fine powder
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Refer to the Mixing Guide and mix powder & water in a small cup
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Stir thoroughly to ensure even distribution (at least 15 seconds)
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Cut a small corner of the blotter (about ¼ inch)
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Soak the piece in 5mL of water for about 10 minutes
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Stir and shake the container gently
For injected substances, test using residue from your preparation area:
1. Prepare your dose & set the needle aside safely (DO NOT inject yet)
2. Add 1/5th teaspoon (5mL) of water to your spoon or cooker
​3. Stir the mixture gently
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*SPECIAL BULK PRICING AVAILABLE FOR GOVERNMENT AGENCIES
Additional Resources
Popular Science behind Fentanyl
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"What You Need To Know: Fentanyl" Info Sheet
Research Studies
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John Hopkins University
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Boston Medical Center
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