At Home Rapid Drug Testing

Testing your drugs allows you to make informed decisions about your use. Rapid testing is one tool you can use to prevent possible overdose. NEXT Distro currently offers testing strips for fentanyl and xylazine, two common adulterants found in the drug supply. It’s important to note that these testing strips will only confirm the presence of the substance being tested for, not the potency or the amount present in your sample.

Fentanyl is a strong synthetic opiate that puts consumers at a higher risk for overdose, especially if the user does not have an opiate tolerance. Xylazine is a tranquilizer that causes heavy sedation and is often linked to large, painful wounds. It mimics the effect of opiates and has been commonly mixed with fentanyl. Knowing whether drugs contain either xylazine or fentanyl can save a life.

What am I testing for and why?

There are many factors that influence which types of tests you should use, like what drug or combination of drugs you are using, what kinds of drugs you typically use, and which testers are accessible to you. For example, it’s uncommon for opiate dependent users to test their drugs for fentanyl because it’s common for street opiates to contain fentanyl. However, it’s never a bad idea to test your drugs to confirm they are in fact what they claim to be.

In addition, it is advised for opiate dependent users to test their drugs for xylazine because it’s usually found in addition to fentanyl and rarely found alone. Xylazine test strips are not recommended for nonopiate drugs because they run the risk of false positive results. Below is a chart of common drugs or drug combinations and what rapid test(s) would be recommended for them.

Drug(s) Used Recommended Test Strips

Opiates

Xylazine

Fentanyl

Opiates + Crack or Cocaine

Opiates + Meth

Crack

Cocaine

Meth

Xylazine

Cocaine or meth

Fentanyl

Cocaine

Meth

Benzos Fentanyl

Benzo

Benzos + Opiates

Xylazine

Benzo

Why?

Test for xylazine because it usually shows up in the presence of fentanyl. Most street opiates nowadays contain fentanyl so it’s not as common to test opiates for it. However, if your opiate supply is known not to contain fentanyl then it’s worth testing for it.

Test to confirm the presence of cocaine or meth. Test for xylazine because it will usually be found in opiates, more specifically fentanyl.

Test to confirm the presence of cocaine or meth. Test for fentanyl if you are NOT an opiate dependent user. Fentanyl can cause a non opiate dependent user to overdose.

Test to confirm the presence of benzos. Test for fentanyl if you are NOT an opiate dependent user. Fentanyl can cause a non opiate dependent user to overdose. If your benzos test positive for fentanyl, it’s a good idea to also test for xylazine.

Test to confirm the presence of benzos. Test for xylazine because it will usually be found in opiates, more specifically fentanyl.

What if my test comes out positive?

If your rapid test comes out positive for something you don’t want to see, you still have choices!

You can choose to:

• Try to use with people who you trust. If this option is not available to you, using in a space where you’re accessible and not completely isolated could allow people to reach you if you need help. (For example, if you need to use in a bathroom, unlock the door as soon as you consume your drugs.)

• Ensure that you or someone you are using with has Naloxone. Come up with a safety plan and make sure it’s easily accessible if needed.

• Take a test dose to gauge the potency of your substance.

• Further dilute the shot with more water and save the remaining amount for later.

• If you normally use intravenously, you might want to consider a different route of administration that won’t come on as strongly or quickly such as sniffing or booty bumping.

How to Test Powders VS Pills VS Meth

Powders: People who use powdered drugs usually snort or inject them. If you’re using intravenously, the residue left in your cooker after you draw up your shot can be tested directly. This can be done by adding about seven drops of water directly into the cooker and placing the test strip inside. If you use intranasally, you can empty out the contents of your baggie into either a cooker or a new baggie. The residue left in the original baggie can also be tested directly by adding about seven drops of water and placing the test strip inside. This method will not work with meth!

Meth: When it comes to some rapid testers meth needs to be diluted with at least a 1/2 cup of water or it can lead to a false positive. A small amount of meth should be added to the water and then the test strip can be placed in. This precaution does not apply to Dancesafe test strips.

Pills: Pressed pills need to be completely crushed and mixed with water in order to properly test them. This is because of what is called the “chocolate chip cookie effect.” Fentanyl will bind to itself when a pill is pressed, creating sections of the pill that may not contain fentanyl and sections of the pill that may contain concentrated fentanyl.

Step By Step Testing

Once substance is diluted with water: There are many different brands and manufacturers of test strips. Please be sure you are following the instructions for the tests you have. This is a general guide to how to use testers.

1. Dip the test strip with the arrows facing down into the solution for 15 seconds or until you notice the strip begins to absorb water. Be sure not to dip your strip past the wavy lines.

2. Remove the test strip and wait five minutes.

3. Definition of results shown below.

FENTANYL