USING TEST STRIPS
These instructions apply to Rapid Response (green packaging) test strips. Other test strips may require different dilutions so make sure to look at manufacturer instructions or ask for help at your local harm reduction organization. Remember, test strips can be wrong. Go Slow, Carry Naloxone, and Never Use Alone! If you don’t have anyone to use with call the Never Use Alone hotline at 800-484-3731. They will stay on the phone with you while you use and call EMS to your location if you stop responding. Visit our regularly scheduled outreach locations for test strip kits.
MOST EFFECTIVE,
LEAST PRACTICAL
Dissolve ALL of your substance COMPLETELY into sterile water using the following ratios.
FOR FENTANYL TEST STRIPS:
Amphetamines (Clear, Meth, MDMA)
5ml sterile water for every 10mg of substance.
ALL Other Drugs
2.5ml sterile water for every 10mg substance.
FOR XYLAZINE TEST STRIPS:
ALL Drugs
5ml sterile water for every 10mg of substance.
If the substance can be taken orally, a carefully measured portion of the water can be consumed. Otherwise, to reclaim the substance the water can be evaporated. NONE OF YOUR DRUGS WILL BE LOST IN THIS PROCESS. Pour the water into a flat dish like a baking sheet. For the fastest evaporation, place in an oven at the lowest setting, keep the temperature under 225˚ and keep a close eye on it. Alternatively place in the sun for a day, out of reach of children or pets.
To reduce evaporation time, dissolve all of your substance into a small amount of water (e.g. 1000mg into 50ml of water) then take a small sample from that and dilute it further in order to test. Give the water a good stir before pulling the small sample for testing. This will greatly reduce the time needed to evaporate the water and is equally effective.
LESS EFFECTIVE,
MOST PRACTICAL
1. Crush substance into fine powder.
2. Add to provided baggie, close and shake thoroughly.
3. Transfer substance back to original container, leaving residue.
4. Add sterile water to bag with residue.
FOR FENTANYL TEST STRIPS:
If sample is Meth, MDMA or other Amphetamine, add FULL vial (5ml) of sterile water.
For ALL other substances, add HALF vial (2.5ml) of sterile water.
FOR XYLAZINE TEST STRIPS:
For ALL substances, add FULL vial (5ml) of sterile water to bag with sample.
5. After adding water, seal bag and shake thoroughly until sample is dissolved.
6. Holding the blue end of strip, dip other end into water up to the line for 15 seconds. Wait 2-3 minutes for results.
ONE Line = POSITIVE.
TWO Lines = NEGATIVE.
LEAST EFFECTIVE, EASIEST
Because of the potential for uneven distribution of fentanyl or xyalzine in a substance, taking an isolated sample (a scoop) of a substance is the least effective way to detect the presence of a contaminant in a drug. However, if this is the only option, the process is as follows:
1. Take a 10mg sample of your substance. This can be done with a 10mg measured scoop, a scale or 10mg can be approximated by using enough powder to cover Lincoln’s hair on a penny.
2. Crush sample completely.
3. Add sterile water to sample.
FOR FENTANYL TEST STRIPS:
If sample is Meth, MDMA or other Amphetamine, add FULL vial (5ml) of sterile water.
For ALL other substances, add HALF vial (2.5ml) of sterile water.
FOR XYLAZINE TEST STRIPS:
For ALL substances, add FULL vial (5ml) of sterile water to bag with sample.
5. After adding water, seal bag and shake thoroughly until sample is dissolved.
6. Holding the blue end of strip, dip other end into water up to the line for 15 seconds. Wait 2-3 minutes for results.
ONE Line = POSITIVE.
TWO Lines = NEGATIVE.