Using fentanyl test strips to prevent opioid overdoses
Off-label Use of Rapid Response Fentanyl Test Strips as an Opioid Overdose Prevention Strategy
This study is looking at how using fentanyl test strips can help people who inject drugs avoid overdoses by checking their drugs for fentanyl, and it aims to share what they learn with community groups and decision-makers to improve safety.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Research Triangle Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Research Triangle Park, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10418675 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of fentanyl test strips (FTS) as a primary strategy to prevent opioid overdoses among individuals who inject drugs. The study employs a mixed-methods approach to explore both the positive and negative consequences of using these test strips in real-world settings. By distributing FTS, the research aims to empower users to test their drugs for the presence of fentanyl, thereby reducing the risk of overdose before it occurs. The findings will help inform community-based organizations and policymakers about the effectiveness of this intervention.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who inject drugs and are at risk of opioid overdose, particularly those using illicitly made fentanyl.
Not a fit: Patients who do not use injectable drugs or are not at risk of opioid overdose may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the number of opioid overdose deaths by providing users with a tool to identify dangerous substances in their drugs.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results with similar harm reduction strategies, indicating that the use of fentanyl test strips could be an effective intervention.
Where this research is happening
Research Triangle Park, United States
- Research Triangle Institute — Research Triangle Park, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zibbell, Jon Eric — Research Triangle Institute
- Study coordinator: Zibbell, Jon Eric
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.