Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is much more potent than morphine. It is primarily used for managing severe or chronic pain and is available in forms such as patches, lozenges, and injections. Because of its high potency, fentanyl carries a strong risk of addiction and overdose, even at low doses. It is also illegally manufactured and sometimes mixed with other drugs, which raises the risk of accidental overdoses.
Testing for fentanyl is crucial for patients prescribed the drug for pain management, to ensure compliance and detect potential abuse. It’s also important in addiction treatment centers, for workplace drug testing in safety-sensitive jobs, and in legal settings like DUI cases. Emergency medical personnel may also test for fentanyl in cases of suspected overdose or when treating unknown substance intoxication.
Fentanyl can be detected in urine for up to 3 days after use, in blood for up to 48 hours, and in saliva for up to 1-3 days. In hair follicle tests, fentanyl can be detected for months after use. These timeframes can vary based on individual metabolism, frequency of use, and the amount used.
For most accurate results, GetTested’s fentanyl test should ideally be taken within up to 3 days after the last use.