Drug Checking Locations

Drug checking is offered by appointment and by drop-in at some locations. Call ahead to find out more.
Fentanyl Test Strips
Fentanyl test strips are easy to use -you can get the test done at one of our testing locations and/or get trained to do the test yourself and take some strips with you. If you decide to get the test done at one of our testing locations your drugs will bein your possession at all times.
How the test is done:
1. Mix sample with water
A small sample of your substance (size of a grain of salt) is mixed with 30 mL (1 oz) of water (the same size as a shot glass).
2. Dip the Strip
Test strip is dipped into the water for 15 seconds. The results will appear on the test strip within 1-2 mins after it is removed. Result should be read as soon as they appear.
3. Talk Results
Learn what test results mean and the limitations. Consider reducing your risk by following some harm reduction tips such as using a smaller amount, carrying naloxone, not using alone, or disposing of the substance.
4. Clean Up
Water and sample are thrown away.
Doing the test yourself? Download detailed instructions here.
Watch a video on how to use the strips.
Strips only test for fentanyl within the sample provided. Fentanyl may still be present in the remainder of your drug batch.
Strips may occasionally report a negative result when fentanyl or an analogue is present.
FTIR
How does FTIR drug checking work?
1. Share a Small Sample
The person checking your drugs will place a small sample (the size of a grain of salt) onto a sample tray.
2. Scan the drugs
The checker will scan the drug sample using the FTIR machine.
3. Talk Results
Your results will be discussed with you and we will provide helpful information about how to reduce the risk of overdose.
4. Don’t Forget the Test Strips!
The tray is cleaned. Your drug sample sample can be re-used for a fentanyl strip test, given back to you, or thrown away.
FTIR may not be able to detect substances present in small amounts. While FTIR testing can provide some information about what’s in your drug, it cannot give specific quantities.
Always follow up by checking your drugs with a fentanyl test strip.
Benzodiazepine (benzo) Test Strips
Benzo test strips are used to determine the presence of benzodiazepines in a drug sample. The benzo test strips can detect different kinds of benzos, but not all. Like the fentanyl test strips, benzo test strips cannot determine the strength (quantity) or what type of benzo is present in the sample. Benzodiazepines when mixed with opioids (such as fentanyl) can cause people to overdose even in small amounts. Testing with benzo strips is available at locations that provide FTIR testing.
1. Sample
A small sample (about the size of half a grain of rice) is added to a small 2ml plastic tube with a lid.
2. Water
The tube is filled with warm water and the lid is closed.
3. Dissolve
Drugs are dissolved in the water by shaking the tube for a minimum of 30 seconds.
4. Strip
Benzo test strip is dipped in the water - taking care not to dip too deep (less than 2 cm).
5. Results
After 2 minutes the results are read. 1 line = positive; 2 lines = negative