Why is testing nitazenes important?

Nitazenes are a class of highly potent synthetic opioids, many times stronger than heroin and even stronger than fentanyl. First identified in the illicit drug market in North America around 2019, they have recently been found in Australia since 2023. They are known as New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) or Novel Synthetic Opioids (NSOs). They pose serious public health risks due to their potency and the general lack of awareness about their presence. 

Nitazenes, also known as benzimidazole-opioids, are a class of synthetic opioids that includes several different analogues. When we refer to "nitazene" in the singular, we mean one of these analogues within this broader "nitazenes" class. Because research on nitazenes is still limited, we don't comprehensively understand how many distinct types exist or how their effects might vary.

More than ten different types of nitazenes have been identified in the global market. Some of the most commonly encountered types include protonitazene, isotonitazene, and N-pyrrolidino etonitazene. BTNX nitazene test strips can detect these, though it's important to recognize that these strips may not identify every type of nitazene, especially as new variations continue to emerge.

Detected Analogues by BTNX Nitazene Test Strips

This table lists the concentrations of compounds (ng/mL) above which the Rapid Response™ Nitazene Test Strip (Liquid / Powder) identified as positive.

While nitazene test strips are a valuable harm reduction tool, it's crucial to remain aware of their limitations. They should be used as part of a broader strategy to reduce risks and promote safer drug use practices.

How do nitazene test strips work?

First, laboratory animals like mice are injected with nitazenes compounds to stimulate their immune system to generate specific antibodies targeted on nitazenes. Then those antibodies are extracted and separated from their blood. After repeated testing, purification and configuration, the antibodies would be coated onto specific areas of a test strip. During sample testing, the presence of nitazenes is indicated by results in the control (C) and test (T) areas of the strip.

*Important Notes:

1. There are over 10 known types of nitazenes, but research on them is limited. Test strips can't guarantee detection of every type.
2. These strips don't detect other opioids like fentanyl. For other substances, use the right test strips (Fentanyl test strips and Nitazine Test Strips available from our shop).
3. Remember to store them at temperatures between 36-86°F (2-30°C).
4. Fentanyl test strips are unable to detect nitazenes. Make sure you use the right one.*

How to use BTNX nitazene test strips?

Things you need to prepare:

1. The sample to be tested (around 5-10mg, about the size of a grain of rice)
2. Nitazene test strips from reliable sources
3. 5ml of water
4. A clean, dry container (to avoid contamination)

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Crush the sample into powders if they are crystals and pills, mix them well so that they could be evenly distributed and evenly tested
2. Use the scoop in the test strip bag to put the small amount of the sample in the container
3. Add 5mL of water to the container, stir until the sample is fully dissolved
4. Dip the test strip into the liquid and ensure the strip is submerged up the green line, within the wavy part. Hold by the green bar side of the strip for 10-15 seconds. Avoid touching the white part.
5. Remove the strip to a flat surface, then wait for the results for 1 minute.
6. Check the strip to see if there’s an indication of the presence of nitazenes

Interpret Results

It works similar to the fentanyl test strips. 

• Positive Test: One line on the “C” = Nitazenes are PRESENT
• Negative Test: Two lines (the colour could be faint) = The strip CANNOT detect nitazenes in your sample
• Invalid Test: No line or a line on the “T” area = Test failed; repeat with a new strip.

What can you do then?

If the test result is positive and you choose to use your drugs, test them with additional strips as they may contain other substances, which could increase overdose risk. We encourage you to bring naloxone with you since it can temporarily and partially reverse an opioid overdose. Besides, make sure that you do not use them alone, go slow and only use small amounts.

Drug Policy Australia is now offering BTNX nitazene test strips to help you stay safe. Feel free to order them today.

A recent study from the Laboratory of Toxicology, Ghent University showed BTNX's Rapid Response™ Nitazene Test Strips are capable of detecting the presence of a wide range of nitazene analogues and may be used to alert users of the presence of nitazene analogues in authentic (street) drug samples. Read the study here.

A study by the Laboratory of Toxicology, Ghent University, shows the efficacy of BTNX Nitazene Test Strips. Authors Liam M. De Vrieze, Christophe P. Stove and Marthe M. Vandeputte. You can download the report Nitazene test strips: a laboratory evaluation here.

The Conclusion of the Study:
This study provides a better understanding of the potential of Nitazene Test Strips (NTS) for drug-checking purposes. Our findings indicate that NTS can theoretically alert to the presence of most nitazene analogues that have emerged on recreational drug markets. Although factors like specificity, lot-to-lot variability, nitazene analogue content in drug samples, solubility, and different testing conditions should be considered, our study results indicate that, at least under the conditions evaluated here (using reference standards and sourced powders), NTS are capable of detecting the presence of a wide range of nitazene analogues. Hence, NTS may alert users of the presence of nitazene analogues in drug samples.

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