Measuring Xylazine Levels in Opioid Overdose Patients

Quantitative Xylazine Measurement Among Non-Fatal Opioid Overdose Patients in the Emergency Department

Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · NCT06949605

This study is trying to see how much xylazine, a drug found in some illegal opioids, is in the blood and urine of people who have had non-fatal opioid overdoses.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment15 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorIcahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (other)
Locations2 sites (Elmhurst, New York and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06949605 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This research focuses on measuring the levels of xylazine, a veterinary medication increasingly found in illicit opioids, among patients who have experienced non-fatal opioid overdoses in emergency departments. The study will collect waste blood and urine samples from these patients to analyze xylazine and its metabolites using laboratory and point-of-care assays. Additionally, qualitative assessments will be conducted using xylazine test strips to enhance understanding of its presence in urine samples. The goal is to gather crucial data on the health effects of xylazine in the context of opioid use.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults who have experienced a non-fatal opioid overdose and have available waste blood and urine specimens.

Not a fit: Patients under 18 years old will not benefit from this study as they are excluded from participation.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide critical insights into the health impacts of xylazine in opioid overdose cases, potentially guiding treatment and harm reduction strategies.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of measuring xylazine in opioid overdose patients may be novel, there is a growing body of research on the health effects of substances found in the illicit opioid supply.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* ED patient
* Opioid OD (both NPS and non-NPS)
* Availability of waste blood specimens for analysis
* Availability of waste urine specimens for analysis

Exclusion Criteria:

- Children under 18

Where this trial is running

Elmhurst, New York and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Opioid Overdose, Substance Use Disorders, Opioid, Xylazine, Substance Use

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.