Urgent Need for Pairing Training and Education With Fentanyl Test Strip Distribution

Area of Science:

• Drug checking and harm reduction
• Public health interventions
• Substance use research

Background:

• Fentanyl test strips (FTS) are recommended for detecting fentanyl in non-heroin drugs.
• Understanding user practices is essential for effective implementation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate how individuals use fentanyl test strips (FTS).
• To identify challenges and errors in FTS usage and interpretation.

Main Methods:

• Simulation exercises involving 40 people who use drugs.
• Mock use of FTS on simulated drugs, result interpretation, and interviews.
• Qualitative data analysis using NVivo.

Main Results:

• Most participants did not use FTS as recommended, with common errors in sample dilution.
• Interpretation accuracy varied: 45% correctly interpreted positive results, 55% negative (clear lines), and 30% negative (faint lines).
• Many participants reported prior training, but simulation revealed significant usage and interpretation errors.

Conclusions:

• Observed errors in FTS use can lead to inaccurate results (false positives/negatives).
• Current training appears insufficient, highlighting a critical need for improved educational strategies.
• Enhanced training is necessary to ensure proper FTS utilization and maximize their public health impact.