How to test your drugs for fentanyl and nitazenes

Fentanyl and nitazenes are potent opioid drugs that can be deadly in very small doses. They can be mixed into or sold as other drugs, which is very risky and often results in overdose. 

The good news? You can test your drugs for them at home. Order a FREE fentanyl and nitazene test strip pack from our resources page - shipping anywhere in Aotearoa is on us!

They are simple and easy to use- here’s how.

How to use fentanyl and nitazene test strips at the same time

It is simple and easy to use both strips to test the same drug at the same time. Your pack will come with: 

• 3 of each test strip
• 2 x 10mg microscoops to measure out your drugs
• A 5mL measuring tube for measuring water
• Instructions 

Step 1:

Make sure your drug is crushed into a fine powder and well mixed. This helps to avoid the chocolate chip cookie effect.

Step 2:

Add 1mL of water to the measuring tube (or another small container) 

Step 3:

Measure out 1 microscoop (about 10mgs) of your drug and add this into the water. Mix well. 

Step 4:

Open the fentanyl test strip (the strip in the white packet) and dip the end with the dots on it into the water. Do not submerge the strip above where the dots end. 

Step 5:

Hold it in the water for about 10 seconds, until the water runs up to the top of the white part of the strip. Remove it from the water and lay it on a flat surface. 

Step 6:

Add an extra 4ml of water to the drugs and water mixture. Give it another mix. 

Step 7:

Open the nitazene test strip (green packet) and dip the end of the strip with the wavy lines on it into the water. Do not submerge the strip above where the green line is. 

Step 5:

Hold it in the water for about 10 seconds, until the water runs up to the top of the white part of the strip. Remove it from the water and lay it on a flat surface. 

Interpreting the results

Both test strips work the same - two lines will mean the strip hasn't detected fentanyl or nitazenes.

One line is a positive result: your drug contains fentanyl or nitazenes.

Two lines is a negative result: the test could not detect fentanyl or nitazenes in your drug.

Even a faint second line is a negative result.

No lines or a line only on the ‘T’ area (line closest to the wiggly lines) is an inconclusive result, you will need to do the test again with another strip.

Images from BTNX.com

It is important to remember that these tests cannot completely rule out the presence of fentanyl or nitazenes, but, if performed correctly are able to identify most types of fentanyl or nitazenes.

They also can't test for anything else that may be in your drugs. If you can, it's safest to bring your stuff to a drug checking clinic.

What do I do if I get a positive result? 

If your test strip indicates that your substance has fentanyl or nitazenes and want to let us know or get more information or advice, you can: 

1. Call the New Zealand Drug Foundation if you want to anonymously talk through these results on (04) 801 6303 or email us for information and advice on [email protected].
   
   
2. Take the sample to a drug checking clinic in your area
   
   
3. Report it to High Alert

If you choose to take the substance it is really important to be cautious. Nitazenes and fentanyl can cause overdoses in amounts smaller than a grain of sand. You can find more information about how to stay safer on our drug info page.

If you want instructions on how to use the test strips separately, watch our handy videos below.