How Fentanyl Testing Saves Lives
According to the CDC, Fentanyl is a major contributor to fatal and nonfatal overdoses in the U.S.
The dangers of fentanyl are realized across the country with over 150 people dying every day from overdoses related to synthetic opioids like fentanyl. Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that has been linked to a rising number of overdose deaths in recent years. It is 50x stronger than heroin and 100x stronger than morphine. It is highly potent and can be deadly in small amounts, which is why it is essential to have an extensive fentanyl testing menu to ensure that any product or substance that may contain fentanyl can be accurately identified.
It is also important to call attention to the difference between Pharmaceutical fentanyl and illicitly manufactured fentanyl, with the latter being uncontrolled making it difficult to determine appropriate dosage to avoid unintentional overdose and other harms. The reason is that illicitly-manufactured fentanyl is unregulated, and of unknown composition and potency making it difficult to determine appropriate dosage to avoid unintentional overdose and other harms.
Why having an extensive fentanyl testing menu is a must
Detection of fentanyl and related analogs: Fentanyl comes in different forms, and it can be challenging to detect without a comprehensive menu. With an extensive fentanyl testing menu, different types of fentanyl and related analogs can be identified, including carfentanil, acetylfentanyl, and others.
Accuracy: The potency of fentanyl makes it crucial to have accurate testing methods. An extensive fentanyl testing menu allows for accurate identification and quantification of fentanyl and its analogs, ensuring that any product or substance containing fentanyl is detected.
Preventing overdose deaths: Overdose deaths linked to fentanyl have been on the rise in recent years. An extensive fentanyl testing menu can help identify the presence of fentanyl in drugs, such as heroin and cocaine, preventing overdose deaths.
Public safety: Fentanyl is not only a concern for drug users but those around them. An extensive fentanyl testing menu can help identify the presence of fentanyl in various environments protecting those who may come in contact with it.
What is a Fentanyl Menu Test?
A fentanyl testing menu is a laboratory test that is used to detect and identify the presence of fentanyl and its analogs in a sample. Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is often used in medical settings for pain management, but it is also commonly abused and has been implicated in a growing number of overdose deaths.
A fentanyl testing menu typically uses liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) to analyze a sample, which can include blood, urine, or other bodily fluids. The LC-MS method is highly sensitive and can detect even trace amounts of fentanyl and its analogs in a sample.
In addition to fentanyl, a fentanyl testing menu may also include testing for other synthetic opioids, such as carfentanil, sufentanil, and remifentanil. These substances are similar to fentanyl and can also pose a significant risk of overdose.
Fentanyl testing menus can be used in a variety of settings, including drug treatment centers and emergency rooms. The results of a fentanyl testing menu can be used to inform medical treatment decisions, such as the use of naloxone to reverse an overdose.
Fentanyl testing menus are an important tool in the fight against the opioid epidemic and can help to prevent overdose deaths and improve public health outcomes.
To learn more about the testing capabilities for medical monitoring and substance abuse with the Acutis lab please click here >>
