Kane County Health Department

​Fentanyl and Xylazine Test Strip Instructions

​​Bring tests, samples, buffer and/or controls to room temperature (59-86 degrees) F before use.Test strip image (1).png

  1. ​Mix your drug sample thoroughly before testing. Dilute one scoop (5-10mg - enough to cover Abraham Lincoln’s hair on a penny) of the drug to be tested in 5 mL (1 teaspoon) water. If you cannot test 5-10mg of your drugs, put at least a few grains in a clean, dry container.

  2. Remove the test strip from its sealed pouch and use it as soon as possible. For best results, the test should be performed within one hour.​

  3. Hold the strip by the end, where the product name is printed. To avoid contamination, do not touch the strip membrane (the white section of the strip). 

  4. Holding the strip vertically, dip the test strip in the liquid for at least 10-15 seconds. Immerse the strip where the wavy lines are, but not above the solid (maximum) line on the test strip. 

  5. Remove the strip from the sample and place it on a non-absorbent flat surface. Start the timer and wait for the colored line(s) to appear. 
A negative result can be interpreted as soon as both the test (T) and control (C) lines appear. A positive result can be interpreted when 60 seconds have passed since the control line has appeared and no line for that drug is present. Do not read results after 10 minutes.​

You can use the same drug sample with both fentanyl and xylazine test strips.

​What do the test results mean?

One line is a positive test, meaning fentanyl or xylazine has been detected in your drugs (depending on which type of test strip you used). 
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Two lines (even if the second line is very faint) is a negative test, meaning fentanyl or xylazine has not been detected in your drugs, however, no test is 100% accurate, so your drugs may still contain fentanyl or xylazine.
 
No lines or one line closer to the wavy side of the strip is an invalid test. Retest your drugs with a new strip, if available.
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Remember, no test is 100% accurate. Certain conditions may increase your chances of getting a false positive (for example, certain substances, such as lidocaine, being present in your drugs) or a false negative (for example, the sample you tested not containing xylazine, but xylazine being present in the rest of your drugs).


What should I do if I get a positive test result or think my drugs contain fentanyl or xylazine?

  • ​Consider not using the drugs, especially if you are alone or in a place where it might be dangerous to be unconscious for a long time.
  • If you have skin wounds, continuing to use xylazine can make them worse. If you have wounds that do not improve or go away, talk to your health care provider. For help finding a provider, call 211.

Where can I get xylazine test strip​s?

Test strips are available at various locations in Kane County for free, and without a prescription or ID.