How to detect fentanyl in CMC or MMC
In the wake of the recent overdose deaths of famed DJ Silent Servant, his wife and a friend, we are seeing a significant increase in awareness of the risk of fentanyl admixture. In recent weeks, news of the detection of fentanyl in mephedrone purchased in Berlin spread on social media. While the risk cannot be ignored, in this case the information turned out to be wrong. Below we describe what the misunderstanding was due to, how to correctly detect fentanyl, and whether the fentanyl risk has reached Europe.
What is fentanyl?
Fentanyl is an extremely potent synthetic opioid with derivatives often from 50 to 100 times stronger than heroin. It is mainly responsible for the opioid epidemic overdoses. Fentanyl can be lethal even in doses invisible to a bare eye. It is often found in counterfeit medicine, opioid and non-opioid research chemicals or even common street drugs like cocaine. When fentanyl is mixed with heroin, cocaine or other substances, it is never evenly mixed. Powder on one side of a baggy can contain no fentanyl, while powder from the other side might contain a lethal dose. It is extremely important to always test each and every dose intended for consumption.
Main issues with testing fentanyl:
- False positives
- False negatives
- Incorrect results
1. Often there is talk of false positives. that is, a result that indicates the presence of fentanyl even if it is not present. This problem particularly affects psychoactive substances from the stimulant group. It is true that some brands of fentanyl tests are particularly prone to this risk. However, this is not a problem if the test is performed according to the instructions. We recommend dissolving 100 mg of the sample in 200 ml of water. In case of a positive result, we advise you to increase the dilution – fentanyl tests are very sensitive, detecting amounts much smaller than trace amounts
2. False negatives are no less of a risk. No test is perfect, and often those that have a proven lower risk of false positives have a higher risk of false negatives. There are dozens of types (analogs) of fentanyl on the market. The brand of tests we offer has been proven as the one that detects the most varieties of fentanyl.
Note: don’t be fooled by the marketing of test sellers who don’t disclose information about the false negatives of their products. No test is perfect.
3. inappropriate results are those that do not match either positive or negative. They are generally indicative of a problem in production.
False positive fentanyl test result
False positve result of fentanyl test strip. Sample dilution unknown.
Instructions how to detect fentanyl
Laboratory results published a few days later proved surprising to those who did not pay attention to the suspicious lack of information dt. the method of conducting the test with fentanyl strips.
The sample turned out to be 3-CMC and not 3-MMC, and the only contaminant was iso-CMC, not fentanyl!
Many people have pointed out that the presence of fentanyl in the stimulant is unlikely. This is true, however, not impossible. Such cases refer to cross-contamination, which can occur if the same dealer mixes fentanyl with heroin, for example. Dealers’ working conditions are far from sterile.
Lab result for "3-MMC" (3-CMC)
Fentanyl test result with 100 mg of 4-CMC in 200 ml of tap water
In view of the above laboratory analysis result, we decided to check the 4-CMC sample with our fentanyl test strips. However, unlike the case described above, we used the recommended steeping of the sample of 100 milligrams in 200 milliliters of water (from the tap).
The result of our experiment unequivocally ruled out the presence of fentanyl. So when the test was performed correctly, no false positives were observed.
Fentanyl Tests
The best fentanyl drug test is our Fentanyl Test Strip. Used according to the instructions, it provides reliable (though not 100% certain) information about the potential presence of fentanyl. In summary, laboratory analysis is, of course, the best option, but if we need quick results or don’t have access to a laboratory, it is crucial to use drug tests according to the instructions. If in doubt, please feel free to contact us; we are always here to help.
Recommended fentanyl test kit:
A positive or negative test result does not indicate if the substance is safe. No substance is 100% safe.
