Last Updated: October 30, 2025

Xylazine test strips (XTS) are now available for purchase in the DanceSafe online shop! These strips help people detect xylazine — a powerful veterinary sedative sometimes found in fentanyl or heroin — making them an important new tool for opioid harm reduction.

Another tool for safer use — one more step toward keeping each other alive.

What Is Xylazine?

Xylazine (“tranq”) is a non-opioid sedative found mixed with illicit opioids in some parts of the U.S. and Canada. It slows breathing and heart rate, increases the risk of overdose, and causes serious skin wounds.

Because xylazine is not an opioid, naloxone does not reverse its effects. Still always use naloxone during an overdose, since opioids are almost always involved.

Knowing whether xylazine is present helps people make informed, safer decisions and protect their communities.

Why They Matter

The unregulated drug supply changes quickly, making it hard to know what’s in a substance.

DanceSafe’s new xylazine test strips give people who use drugs — and those who support them — a simple, evidence-based way to check opioid samples for xylazine.

These strips can help:

• Identify samples that may contain xylazine
• Reduce the risk of unexpected sedation or overdose
• Support people with xylazine-related skin wounds in accessing wound care supplies
• Support community harm reduction efforts, including expanding access to low barrier medical services
  

Only Use with Opioids

Xylazine test strips are designed for opioids. Do not use xylazine test strips on other drugs, such as MDMA or ketamine.

Here’s why:

• False positives: Ketamine can cause false positives with xylazine test strips and give a positive result even when xylazine isn’t present.
• Drug supply data: Based on current national and local data, xylazine has been found in drugs sold as opioids.
  
• Accurate results: Using xylazine test strips only with opioids ensures that results are meaningful and reliable.
  

How to Use Xylazine Test Strips

Each pack includes instructions, but here’s the quick guide:

1. Dissolve about 10 mg of your sample in 1 teaspoon (5 mL) of water.
   
2. Dip the strip for 15 seconds.
3. Lay it flat and wait 3 minutes.
   
4. Read your results:
   • One line = positive (xylazine detected)
   • Two lines = negative (no xylazine detected)
   • No lines or a single line on the dipped side = invalid (test again with a fresh strip)

Always test everything you intend to use! No tool is perfect, but more information means more safety. Read the full instructions here [link].

DanceSafe’s Evidence-Based Approach

All DanceSafe tools are backed by scientific research, lab data, and field experience. We collaborate with researchers, chemists, and harm reduction experts across the country to track what’s actually appearing in the supply and to share accurate, stigma-free information with the public.

Our mission is simple: make harm reduction accessible, evidence-based, and community-informed.

Get Xylazine Test Strips from DanceSafe

Available now in our shop!
Read full instructions and safety guidance here.