Fentanyl, a deadly opioid, may be added to drugs and it can cause you to overdose quickly.
Fentanyl test strips are easy to use tests to see if your drugs have some types of fentanyl in them.
Use the strips as directed for the best results. When you get your result, you can make the decision about what to do next. Regardless of test results, start low, go slow, have naloxone/Narcan nearby and don’t use alone. Be with someone who can call 911 in the event of an overdose.
Video: How to use a fentanyl test strip
Using a fentanyl test strip is easy. Ashley Perry, Intervention Case Manager from Project Weber/RENEW, explains how to use a fentanyl test strip.
What can I do?
I can learn how to use them
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If you are injecting, first prepare your shot. Next, add ten drops of water to your cooker and stir well.
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If you are snorting your drugs, add ten drops of water into the empty baggie that your drugs came in and mix well.
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If you are using pills, you can crush one in an empty baggie and then dump out the powder. Then add ten drops of water into the baggie and mix well.
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Dip your fentanyl test strip into the water up to the wavy lines and wait fifteen seconds and then take it out.
I can learn how to read my results
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Results usually take about one or two minutes to show up.
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If you see only one red line in the middle of the test, it means that your drugs may have fentanyl in them.
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If you see two lines in the middle of the test, it means that the test strip is negative. The second line could be very faint, but that still means it is negative.
I can take action to avoid an overdose
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If you have a positive test it is important to have naloxone with you and to use with someone who isn’t using at the same time as you. If you overdose, they can call 911 and give you naloxone. Learn how you can be safer when you use drugs.
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If you have a negative test you still need to be careful. Your drugs may still be mixed with fentanyl or mixed with something else that the strips cannot find. Learn about safer drug use.
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Go Slow! Start by using a little bit and wait for 20 seconds to see how strong it is. If it feels off, be careful — consider not using it or taking less. Be sure someone with you has naloxone.
Where can I get strips?
Located outside of Rhode Island?
You can still get fentanyl test strips shipped to you if you are not located in Rhode Island. Visit DanceSafe to learn more about how you can get fentanyl test strips as well as other drug testing supplies. You can also purchase strips for delivery from DoseTest and The Bunk Police.
Project Weber/RENEW
ABOUT:
Project Weber/RENEW is open for drop-in naloxone distribution, as well as needle exchange, fentanyl test strips, condoms, and other basic needs. You can contact this service at 401-383-4888.
WHEN:
Monday through Wednesday, Friday, 10 a.m to 4 p.m; Thursday, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; closed Saturday and Sunday.
Downtown Mobile Outreach: Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
WHERE:
640 Broad Street, Providence, RI 02907
124 Broad Street, Pawtucket, RI 02860
Downtown Mobile Outreach, Kennedy Plaza, in downtown Providence (on the side of Kennedy Plaza near the “Superman Building”(Industrial Trust Bank)).
Parent Support Network (PSN)
ABOUT:
Parent Support Network’s outreach team is available to deliver Narcan®/naloxone, fentanyl test strips, and other harm reduction supplies to anyone’s address or location in the state. You can call or text 401-603-6069 to reach this service.
WHEN:
Monday through Friday, 9 a.m to 5 p.m.
WHERE:
We are available by phone and are holding a mix of in person and virtual meetings throughout the week. Click here for information about scheduling and more.
AIDS Care Ocean State (ACOS)/Education, Needle Exchange, Counseling, Outreach, and Referral (ENCORE)
ABOUT:
ACOS/ENCORE is open for drop-in services for naloxone, needle exchange, safe sex packets, fentanyl test strip kits, safer smoking kits, and HIV/hepatitis C testing. There is also free, statewide delivery services available Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m to 4:30 p.m. (Call before 3:30 p.m. for same day delivery). You can contact ACOS/ENCORE at 401-781-0665.
WHEN:
Drop-in center is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday, evening hours, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
WHERE:
557 Broad Street, Providence, RI 02907
ACOS also has vending machines offering fentanyl test strips, naloxone, safer injection kits, safer sex kits, hygiene kits, and wound care kits at the following locations:
Vending machine locations:
Community Care Alliance
ABOUT:
Community Care Alliance’s Safe Haven program offers a Drop-in Center and community outreach. Harm reduction strategies include Narcan distribution, fentanyl test strips, safer use supplies, and connection to a wide variety of agency and community resources. For help, ask for Christa at 401-808-4869.
WHEN:
Monday through Friday, 9 a.m – 4 p.m
WHERE:
245 Main Street, 3rd Floor, Woonsocket, RI 02895
More resources
Stay Safer with Fentanyl
Learn how to stay safe with fentanyl with these shareable infographics, available in English, Español, and Português.
How to Use Fentanyl Test Strips Infographics
Learn how to use a fentanyl test strip with these shareable infographics, developed by PONI, available for download in English and in Español.
Fentanyl Test Result Stickers
Download fentanyl test result stickers that show the result of a fentanyl strip test. Also available as a printable sheet.