How do I Talk to a Patient About FTS or XTS?

• Communicating about drug checking test strips in a quick, and non-stigmatizing manner is important.

• Shown below is a video example of a pharmacist talking to a patient about drug test strips.

Best Practices to Remember

• Place test strips in a high visibility area within the pharmacy.

• Provide a written handout with testing instructions to review later.

• Emphasize the interpretation of the test strip:

• One solid red/pink line means the test is positive and that fentanyl was found. The safest thing to do in this scenario would be to discard the drug sample.

• Two solid red/pink lines means the test strip was negative and that fentanyl/xylazine was not found in the drug sample. Remember that no drug is 100% safe, and to make sure to keep naloxone nearby.

• Highlight to the patient to never use alone.

• Naloxone should always be provided when someone is given drug test strips.

Where Can I Order Drug Test Strips?

Fentanyl and xylazine test strips can be purchased directly from these test strip distributors. If you click on the name of each distributor, it will take you to their website to purchase drug test strips.

• DANCESAFE

• BTNX

• WISEBATCH

• MD-BIO

What Education and Materials Should be Included When Distributing FTS or XTS?

Printed instructions on how to use FTS or XTS should be provided to patients when distributing FTS and XTS to ensure the customer can reference them when needed. Some example printed materials can be found in the FAQs section.

• A sticker with instructions can be placed directly onto packaging to simplicity.

Some harm reduction organizations distribute FTS and XTS as part of a kit with other supplies including:

• Sterilized water in a package/bottle

• A microscoop

• Small cup or container

If your pharmacy wants to also create kits similar to those distributed by harm reduction organizations; you can purchase the materials above (i.e. the microscoop) at the same location that drug test strips are bought.