PROCEDURE
Preparing for the Test
Users who are preparing for the test should familiarize themselves with the risks posed by testing for fentanyl.
The user should ensure that they are properly equipped with the recommended PPE — nitrile gloves, properly-fitted respirator mask, long sleeves, and eyewear.
The test should be conducted with another person present who can identify symptoms of opioid exposure, and can respond in case of emergency. If possible, the tester should have naloxone on-site, in case of a potential overdose.
The tester should also prepare their environment for the test, ensuring that the room is well lit and well ventilated, but that there is not moving air that could disrupt the sample.
The user should prepare a plan, and the appropriate tools, for safe disposal of the test sample, and cleanup of the test site.
Testing Procedure
When residue containing fentanyl or another detectable narcotic is combined with the dry reagent zone on the test card, the reagent will produce a pink color change.
Depending on the nature of the sample, this color change may occur on the test pen, on the test card, or on both surfaces. For this reason, it is essential that you check both the pen and card for indication of color change.
The color development for a positive result should be rapid and will often be permanent. Depending on the sample, the intensity of the pink color could range from weak to very strong, and could range from very light to very dark (appearing purple). If you are unsure of whether the color you are seeing is considered a positive result, consult the color reference panel on the test card.
After a few minutes, the color on the test may fade or change, so it is important to collect results as soon as possible. You may also fill out the fields on the Record Card to note the conditions and results of the test.
Since Verifique’s tests rely on a color change, there are a number of factors to consider about the use of the test. The following can result in mistaken readings that are based on human or procedural error, rather than an error with the color chemistry:
- Improper/non-white lighting used in the test procedure
- Partial to full color blindness of the operator
- Highly colored/color-producing samples used in testing (wet or dry paints, dyes, tea leaves, etc.)
- Highly viscous or thick samples used in testing (candle wax, silicone oil, engineering grease, etc.)
Sample Collection
The Verifique Test Pen will be used to collect your sample. You should use the tip of the pen to dab, swab, or rub the surface that you are testing, depending on the nature of the sample. This process should take up to 10 seconds.
You are aiming to collect as much potential residue as possible, and concentrate it on the tip of your pen. If you are testing a visible residue like a powder, or crushed pill, you should be able to see the residue picked up on the pen’s tip.
For testing pills or rocks, best results are produced by crushing the sample and taking a sample from across the resulting powder. This helps to collect the most complete sample, and avoids any coating or residue from the surface that may be used for preservation.
For testing vape pens, if possible, you should dab the tip of the pen into the oil well of the cartridge. If you are unable to access the cartridge, you should aim to swab the surfaces with the most potential residue, the mouthpiece and oil cartridge.
It is important to remember that your test results apply only to the portion of the sample you collected from. A positive or negative result for a portion of the sample cannot be guaranteed across the rest.
Conducting the Test
Once you have collected your sample, you will combine it with the reagent printed in the reagent zone of the Verifique Test Card. This is done by dabbing the tip of the test pen across the card’s reagent zone. This process should take no more than 10 seconds.
If a detectable narcotic was picked up in your sample, the reagent should produce a vibrant pink color. This could happen immediately, or take up to 30 seconds. Be sure to check both the reagent zone and test pen tip for any signs of color development.
If any pink or purple color develops within 30 seconds, the result of the test is positive.
If no pink or purple color develops within 30 seconds, the result of the test is negative.
