Arkansans may be more pleased than ever to see two pink lines on a test strip, at least when it comes to testing drugs. 

Fentanyl test strips are now legal to use in Arkansas.

In April 2023, the Fentanyl Enforcement and Accountability Act was passed, increasing penalties for the use and possession of controlled substances, such as fentanyl.

The Act also declared that the use of these substances was a public health crisis for the state as deaths by drug overdose, more specifically fentanyl overdose, had seen a drastic increase over a 5-year-period.

Previously, fentanyl test strips were legally considered drug paraphernalia; however, the strips are now legal to possess in Arkansas under the Fentanyl Enforcement and Accountability Act as of Jan. 1, 2024.

What are fentanyl test strips?

According to the Centers for Disease Control, “Fentanyl test strips are strips of paper that can detect the presence of fentanyl in all different kinds of drugs (cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, etc.) and drug forms (pills, powder, and injectables).”

The strips are a small, simple and inexpensive way to test drugs for fentanyl.

The strips are compatible to be tested on pills, powders and injectable drugs — pharmaceutical or illegally made. Test strips can offer results in five minutes and can prevent a fentanyl overdose, as it only takes 2 milligrams of fentanyl to be lethal depending on a person’s size, according to the DEA. 

How do they work?

Fentanyl test strips can produce results in a few simple steps. 

The first step is to prepare the drugs for testing. Place at least 10 milligrams of the drug being tested in a clean container, then, mix the drugs with half a teaspoon of water.

To test the drug, hold the wavy end of the test strip in the substance for at least 15 seconds. After the 15 seconds is up, take the strip out of the substance and allow it to lie on a flat surface for two to five minutes.

The results should be available after five minutes.

The results of the strip will produce one or two pink lines depending on whether the drug tested positive for fentanyl. 

If one pink line appears, this means the drug tested positive for fentanyl. It is suggested to dispose of the entire batch of drugs, as using them could be fatal.

A test that results in two pink lines is negative for fentanyl.

While this is likely the desired result of the test, it is recommended to proceed using the drug with caution. Fentanyl testing strips aren’t 100% accurate, so false negatives are possible.

Where can I get them?

At this time, there are no resources for buying fentanyl test strips in person in Arkansas. There are several places online to request or purchase the test strips.

Both Amazon and Walmart sell test strips online.

The Central Arkansas Harm Reduction Project also offers several overdose-fighting resources, including fentanyl test strips. CAHRP offers a text hotline for central Arkansans to seek help and resources.

What does this mean for UCA?

UCA has made efforts to fight drug overdoses on campus within the last year by requiring Narcan training courses and making Narcan readily available in every building across campus. 

Director of Media Relations Fredricka Sharkey said UCA currently does not plan to offer fentanyl test strips to students as an overdose resource. 

“We are familiarizing [ourselves with] the law, but as of right now, we have no active plans to offer fentanyl test strips,” Sharkey said. “This could change in the future, but at this time, we have no active plans to do so.”