Drug Checking

What are drug test strips?

Drug test strips are a harm reduction tool that allow you to check a drug for the presence of a single substance (e.g., fentanyl). They are a commonly used drug checking tool and are distributed in communities across Canada. Drug checking helps people who use drugs make safer, more informed decisions about drug use.

Where can you get drug test strips?

Take-home fentanyl, xylazine, benzodiazepine, and medetomidine test strips are currently being distributed by the following services: the Van Needle Syringe Program, Public Health Services Street Health Clinics, Public Health Services Sexual Health Clinics and Alcohol, Drugs and Gambling Services.

The Van Needle Syringe page has more information on where to get drug test strips in Hamilton.

How do you use drug test strips?

By dissolving a tiny drug sample in water, the drug test strip can be dipped into the solution, and a result will be available between 1 to 5 minutes.

To learn how to use fentanyl, xylazine, benzodiazepine, and medetomidine test strips please visit: btnx.com/HarmReduction

• Fentanyl test strips indicate whether fentanyl is present in a drug sample.
• Xylazine test strips work similarly to fentanyl test strips but instead detect xylazine in a drug sample. Xylazine (or “tranq”) is a veterinary tranquilizer that has been found in the unregulated opioid drug supply and can be life threatening.
• Medetomidine test strips are used to detect the presence of medetomidine in a drug sample. Medetomidine, like xylazine, is a veterinary tranquilizer that has been identified in the unregulated opioid drug supply and may increase the risk of overdose and severe sedation.
• Benzodiazepine test strips are used to detect the presence of benzodiazepines in a drug sample. Benzodiazepines have been found in the unregulated drug supply and can increase the risk of overdose and prolonged sedation, particularly when used with opioids.