Understanding how fentanyl test strips can help reduce overdoses in communities

Evaluating the impact of fentanyl test strip use among rural and urban populations

NIH-funded research Research Inst Nationwide Children's Hosp · NIH-11078326

This study is looking at how helpful rapid fentanyl test strips can be for people who use drugs, by teaching them how to test their drugs for fentanyl before using them, and it’s aimed at folks in Ohio who might be at risk of overdose.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionResearch Inst Nationwide Children's Hosp NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Columbus, United States)
Project IDNIH-11078326 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the use of rapid fentanyl test strips, which allow individuals to test illicit drugs for the presence of fentanyl before consumption. The study aims to provide education and distribute these test strips at opioid overdose education and naloxone distribution sites in both rural and urban areas of Ohio. By assessing the feasibility and acceptability of this intervention, the research seeks to determine if it can effectively encourage safer drug use behaviors and ultimately reduce overdose-related harm. Participants will be engaged in a community-based approach to enhance their understanding and use of these test strips.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who use drugs, particularly in areas where fentanyl is prevalent.

Not a fit: Patients who do not use illicit drugs or are not at risk of fentanyl exposure may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the number of unintentional overdoses related to fentanyl use.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that harm reduction strategies, including the use of fentanyl test strips, can lead to safer drug use practices, indicating potential success for this approach.

Where this research is happening

Columbus, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.