In the drug testing industry, speed and accuracy are essential components for saving lives in the ever-evolving illegal drug market. Some drug trends are so new that courts rarely know to test for them, which results in reactive rather than preventative measures. Averhealth recognizes that educating programs on emerging drug trends is vital in supporting individuals on their path to recovery and keeping families together.
Our last blog explored these trends seen across the nation. One of particular concern is the veterinary drug Xylazine, which officials have confirmed is being found in fentanyl and heroin seized in 48 states. The drug has become prevalent because it is cheap, easy to attain and has legal status. Known colloquially as “Tranq” or the “Zombie Drug,” Xylazine presents nuanced difficulties for testing and criminal justice, not to mention being potentially deadly for those ingesting the drug. Not only does Xylazine cause necrotic wounds that rot the skin but because it isn’t an opioid, overdose reversals like naloxone (Narcan) are not effective against it. According to the CDC, in 2022 around 30% of fentanyl seized by the DEA contained the drug, making testing for it even more pressing as it becomes more prevalent around the nation. That’s why Averhealth is happy to announce that we are now offering immunoassay screening for Xylazine.
When it comes to highly potent, dangerous drugs like Xylazine, it’s important to be able to act quickly and get ahead of overdoses. Averhealth’s immunoassay tests are faster, receiving results the next business day, which means rapid intervention when a positive test is received. With a turnaround time of less than 24 hours, clients will be far more likely to get ahead of an overdose before it occurs.
Our laboratory screen provides more reliable results with a 10 ng/mL cutoff, more closely aligned with seized drug concentrations and confirmation analyses. This simple add-on to other drug tests could potentially save lives, stopping future overdoses before they occur.
The complications that emerging drug trends like Xylazine present for testing are further evidence that education about substance use disorder and the latest challenges in the industry are essential for saving lives and keeping families together. Our decision to offer Xylazine immunoassay tests is the direct result of keeping our eye on these trends and adapting to an ever-shifting landscape to try to help those suffering from substance use disorder on their road to recovery.
