Harm Reduction Strips Instructions for Use
Clear steps for consistent interpretation in outreach settings.
What You Need
Quick Steps
Prepare Sample
Mix 5–10 mg in 5 mL water. Crush tablets fully before mixing.
Dip Strip
Dip to MAX line only. Hold for 15 seconds.
Wait
Lay flat. Read at 5 minutes. Do not read after 10 minutes.
Read Result
Two lines = Negative One line (C only) = Positive No control line = Invalid
Interpretation of Results
Lay strip flat with wavy lines facing up. Read within 5 minutes. Do not read after 10 minutes.
Positive (Substance Detected)
One line appears. This means the target substance may be present in the sample.
Negative (Not Detected)
Two lines appear. A faint second line still counts as negative. A negative result does not guarantee safety.
Invalid
No lines appear or the control line is missing. Repeat with a new strip and fresh sample.
What Are You Trying to Detect?
Different risks require different screening tools.
Opioid Supply Risk
- Detects fentanyl and key analogs
- Primary overdose driver
- Most common first screen
Sedative Contamination
- Increasingly present in illicit opioid supply
- Linked to severe skin injury
- Often co-present with fentanyl
Depressant Co-Use
- Benzodiazepines can complicate overdose response
- Common in polysubstance use
- Supports safer-use and response planning
