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A tool to prevent overdose death.

Fentanyl test strips historically had been criminalized in the state of Pennsylvania as drug paraphernalia. Effective Jan. 22, 2023, Pennsylvania law now recognizes fentanyl test strips as a legal, low-cost method of helping to prevent drug overdoses and reduce harm.

These strips are miniature laboratory tests that can tell you if a drug supply contains fentanyl, but not how much there is or how potent it is.

Why test drugs for fentanyl?

  • Fentanyl is a powerful opioid that increases the risk of fatal overdose.
  • Fentanyl is commonly found in heroin and can be present in pills that were not prescribed by a medical provider, cocaine, marijuana, and methamphetamine.
  • Fentanyl cannot be detected by sight, taste, smell, or touch.

How do you test drugs for fentanyl?

  • Rinse the bag the substance came in with ½ teaspoon of water. (If the drug is meth, MDMA, or ecstasy, use a full teaspoon instead.) Or, put about 10 milligrams (enough to cover Abraham Lincoln’s hair on a penny) in a clean, dry container and add the water.
  • Place the test strip with the “wavy” side down in the water and let the strip absorb the water for 15 seconds.
  • Remove the strip and place on a flat surface for 2 minutes.
  • Read the results.
    • ONE line means fentanyl IS in the drug supply.
    • TWO lines means fentanyl WAS NOT detected in the sample. (This data may not be 100% accurate, as another synthetic opioid could be present, or the part of the sample that was tested happened to not have fentanyl in it.)
    • No lines or a single line closest to the wavy part of the strip means it was an invalid test and you should retest again with another strip.

How do I protect myself and/or my loved ones from using substances that potentially contain fentanyl?

  • Do not use alone.
  • Have someone check on anyone using regularly.
  • Use very slowly with small amounts.
  • Avoid mixing drugs.
  • Discard drugs if you are aware the supply contains fentanyl.
  • Have naloxone (Narcan®) available and be sure individuals near you know how to use it.
Get Naloxone

Get Free Resources

  • Recovery Is Community
    1-814-449-3089
  • Erie County Office of Drug and Alcohol
    1-814-451-6877
  • Crawford County Drug and Alcohol
    1-814-724-4100
  • Venango County Substance Use Program
    1-814-432-9100
  • Warren County Drug and Alcohol
    1-814-726-2100
  • Clarion County Drug and Alcohol
    1-814-226-6350

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