Test Before You Ingest: Fentanyl Test Strips (FTS)

What are Fentanyl Test Strips (FTS)?

Fentanyl Test Strips (FTS) can test for the presence of fentanyl in any substance in order to prevent accidental overdose. Testing capsules (like Adderall and Xanax), powders (like cocaine), or other drugs (like cannabis) for fentanyl is the only way to determine if the substance contains fentanyl. Fentanyl has no taste or smell, and you would not be able to see its presence.

Assume any drug (outside medication prescribed to you and sourced from a licensed pharmacy) can be contaminated with fentanyl, even if you accessed it through someone you trust.

  • FTS are a low-cost way to prevent drug overdoses and reduce harm. 
  • FTS are small strips of paper that can detect presence of fentanyl in different types of illegally obtained drugs (cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, Adderall, etc.), including illicitly sold prescription drugs such as Adderall, Ativan, Xanax) and different drug forms (pills, powder, liquid).
  • Results are available within 5 minutes.

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    Find detailed instructions on how to use FTS here.

    •  All drug checking methods have limitations. While FTS is an important way to reduce harm, it may not work all the time. Always use other harm reduction techniques to stay safe. (See "What Are Other Ways to Reduce My Risk of Harm?" below)
    • Test strips results can’t tell you how much is in the sample—only whether it is present or not.
    • Test strips might not detect more potent fentanyl-like drugs, like carfentanil.
    • One portion/sample of the drug may contain fentanyl while another portion may not (see The Chocolate Chip Cookie Effect visual below).  You can crush the drug sample into a homogeneous powder to get the most representative test of that sample.
    • Every batch of drugs are different. Test every time.
    The chocolate chip cookie effect graphic from the CDC, showing that "One portion of a drug may contain fentanyl, while another may not" and illustrated with an image of a cookie with a slice taken out that contains no chocolate chips

    Image Source: Centers for Disease Control - What You Can Do to Test for Fentanyl

    There's no guarantee of what's actually in illicit drugs (e.g., cocaine, cannabis), including those obtained outside a pharmacy (e.g., Xanax, Adderall). The DEA found that 42% of pills they confiscated and tested contained at least 2 mg of fentanyl—a potentially lethal dose.  

    Testing for fentanyl is a fast and simple preventative measure that can decrease risk of harms including overdose and death. 

    In addition to using fentanyl test strips to know if fentanyl is in your drugs, there are other ways to lower your risk of overdose. You can take steps to keep yourself and others safe:

    • Keep naloxone (e.g., Narcan) readily available on you and at your place of residence.
    • Avoid mixing drugs. Mixing multiple stimulants like methamphetamine and cocaine, depressants like opioids and alcohol, or a combination of both can cause harm and potentially death.
    • Don’t rely on a previous source or experience. Knowing where your drugs come from doesn’t mean they’re safe. Even if you have used the same drugs before, your body can react differently each time.
    • Never use drugs alone. Make sure the people around you are aware of when you have taken drugs in case they need to give you naloxone or call for emergency assistance.
    • Remember: one pill can kill. Only use prescription medication prescribed by a medical provider and obtained from a pharmacy.
    • Ask for help if you’re ready to get treatment for addiction. Recovery from substance use disorders is possible—it’s okay to ask for help. To find evidence-based treatment and service options near you:
      • Call 2-1-1 to talk to someone at The Doorway in New Hampshire;
      • Visiting findtreatment.gov; or
      • Call the 24/7 National Helpline at 800-662-HELP (4357).

    Accessing Fentanyl Test Strips (FTS) and Narcan