RESOURCES

At PA GROUNDHOGS, we offer both point-of-use and lab-based drug checking services in a single kit. Each field kit contains  immunoassay test strips for three different drugs. Partner organizations can request bulk orders which we will fill according to stock. We encourage you to make use of the tests prior to use and consider risk factors associated with positive results. 

However, please keep in mind these limitations: 

• Test strips are a low-barrier but imperfect technology. All results are considered presumptive until confirmed by our lab;
• According to the latest research fentanyl test strips produced by Canadian firm BTNX (which is by far the dominant supplier) effectively check for fentanyl and 11 of its analogs. However the strips will not pick up other, non-fentanyl opioids such as nitazenes or U-class drugs.
• If you are considering investing in test strips we recommend that you avoid so-called "combo" test strips that test for both fentanyl and xylazine in a single strip. We found reading the results to be needlessly complex, even for seasoned drug checkers. If a combo strip is your only choice, you should use it, however. But carefully read the instructions first.
• We have had good results with benzodiazepine strips provided by DoseTest, a Swedish firm, and Wisebatch, based in the US. Both brands have delivered positive results for bromazolam, flualprazolam and other common benzo analogs. But we don't know what we don't know. Some newer analogs may evade detection, particularly "pro-drugs" like one we discovered this year, which are metabolized by the body into an active benzodiazepine;                                                                                                                                                     
• False Positives: BTNX fentanyl test strips cross react with  Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and lidocaine, which are both common cutting agents. This means there is a risk of false positives in bags containing higher levels of those cuts. Xylazine strips have also been shown to cross react with lidocaine. Follow dilution recommendations to lower the chance of false positives;
• False positives are also common when testing MDMA and methamphetamine. With proper dilution this can be avoided. READ OUR DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS FOR TESTING NUMEROUS SUBSTANCES PROVIDED BY OUR PARTNERS AT THE EVERYWHERE PROJECT.