Fentanyl Test Strips

Test your drugs for fentanyl with fentanyl test strips.

Illicitly manufactured fentanyl can contaminate drugs such as heroin, methamphetamine, or cocaine, and is often intentionally used as a primary component of counterfeit pills sold as opioids or benzodiazepines. There is always the risk of a fentanyl overdose when using street drugs. Fentanyl test strips will help you know if your drug sample contains fentanyl. Use fentanyl test strips with injectable drugs, pills, or powders. [Source: People Who Use Drugs (ca.gov)]

Why is fentanyl dangerous?

Fentanyl is extremely potent relative to other opioids. It can more rapidly cause breathing to slow or stop. Illicit fentanyl can be added to other drugs to make them cheaper, more powerful, and more addictive. People who use drugs may be unaware if their drugs contain fentanyl. A very small amounts of fentanyl can be deadly and the amount of fentanyl in substances varies dramatically. This can lead to a life-threatening or fatal overdose event. (Source: CA DPH)

Please note that testing for fentanyl does not guarantee safety of a substance. For example, fentanyl test strips do not recognize xylazine, an animal tranquilizer which is reaching the US illicit drug supply and is sometimes referred to as “tranq” or “tranq dope.”​ Xylazine has been linked to an increasing number of overdose deaths nationwide. (Source: CA DPH) 

Where Can I Get Fentanyl Test Strips?

Visit SMHW and tell the front desk staff member that you would like some fentanyl test strips. No appointment is needed. Follow the instructions at the back of the packet or watch this video on how to use fentanyl test strips to determine if fentanyl is present in a drug:

Resources for people who use drugs

Harm reduction is an approach for people who use drugs that aims to reduce harm rather than eliminate risk. Harm reduction means utilizing resources for safer and managed drug use to prevent death, injury, disease, and overdose.  

Below is a list of harm reduction tips and resources for people who use drugs. This information is not meant to be medical or legal advice. For medical advice you should reach out to a healthcare professional and for legal advice you should reach out to an attorney. You can find more detail about these tips at CA DPH.

  • Always carry nal​oxone
  • Test your drugs for fentanyl with fentanyl test strips
  • Use sterile syringes if injecting drugs
    • For more information on accessing sterile syringes and other supplies, SF Syringe Access Collaborative can help. Just keep in mind that locations and times can change – call ahead to confirm updates.
  • Use excessive caution if mixing drugs
  • Do not use drugs alone

English: 800-484-3731

Spanish: 800-928-5330

This hotline is a free service that a person can call when using drugs alone. An operator stays on the line and will notify emergency services if the person stops responding after using drugs.

   Know how to recognize and respond to an overdose (see above)

   Find treatment and support

   Store medications or drugs in a lock box and out of reach

Resources Online/Off Campus