Manuals, Protocols, and Technical Briefs​​​​ ​

• Common Active Cuts Found in Opioids & Stimulants Using FTIR

This is a brief reference document on common active cuts found in opioids and stimulants when using FTIR.

• Common Inactive Cuts Found in Opioids & Stimulants Using FTIR

This is a brief reference document on common inactive cuts found in opioids and stimulants when using FTIR.  ​

• Test Strip Procedure Quick Reference

This is a brief reference document for using immunoassay test strips for drug checking (FTS, XTS, BTS)

• Packaging and Mailing Directions for Sending Samples to External Labs

This guide was developed by the MADDS Team to provide guidance on sending samples to external lab partners.

• Fast Guide to QC

This is a brief reference document for quality control on StreetCheck.

• Using Xylazine Test Strips for Drug Checking in the New England Region

This brief reference document provides guidance and tips for using xylazine test strips for drug checking. 

• Practice-Based Guidance Tips for Cannabis and Blotter Paper Samples

This brief reference document provides guidance for testing cannabis and blotter paper samples.

• Standard Operating Protocol for StreetCheck Massachusetts Drug Supply Data Stream (MADDS)

  This SOP was developed by the MADDS Team to help with navigating the StreetCheck portal and collector.​

• Standard Operating Protocol for Scanning Analysis of Discarded Drug Packaging Detritus 

  This SOP was developed by the MADDS Team to provide guidance on scanning analysis and data entry.

• Job Aids for FTIR Analysis

  These job aids were developed by the MADDS Team to help drug checking technicians perform FTIR analysis.​

• Reference Guide to StreetCheck Data

  This guide was developed by the MADDS Team to help with navigating the StreetCheck collector and data entry.

​​

Technical Training Videos

• DTM Cassette Style Xylazine Test Strip Demo (3:21)

In this video we run through the process of using and interpreting DTM cassette style xylazine test strips 

• Xylazine Deep Dive (56:43) 

  This video discusses tools and tips for identifying xylazine with OPUS on the FTIR.

• Inositol Demo (10:27)

  This video is an example of setting up the FTIR, scanning a sample and conducting analysis with the OPUS software.​

​​

Helpful Tools for Talking with Program Participants & Learning About the Drug Supply​​

• Drug Checking Sample Reference Card

  This card is a resource to help you determine in the field if a sample is eligible to be submitted for drug checking. Contact us for an editable version if you want to brand it for your own program.

• The Cut

  The Cut is a plain-language summary of community drug checking alerts and other information for the community. 

• British Columbia Centre on Substance Use Drug Checking Project: Fentanyl Resources

  • Fentanyl Quantification and Messaging

  • Fentanyl Quantification Procedures ​

• FTIR Component Designation Guidelines

  This guide was developed for StreetCheck users to reference when conducting FTIR analysis.​

• StreetCheck Flag Descriptions/Definitions Guidelines

       This guide was developed for StreetCheck users to reference when attaching flags to cataloged samples. ​ 

​​

New to Drug Checking or Thinking about Starting a Drug Checking Program?​

• Drug Checking as Harm Reduction: Responding to the drug supply I Drug Researchers Roundtable (1:27:38)

This video from Drug Policy Alliance provides a snapshot of national and regional drug supply trends from drug checking laboratory data and discusses how harm reduction programs are using this information to help keep communities safe. ​

• Drug Checking - Presented By Folks Who Aren't  Scientists

This is a resource for folks unfamiliar with drug checking and discusses the how and why we provide drug checking services and ways to talk about it with you program participants.   

• Onsite Drug Checking Technology Purchase and Partnership Considerations

  This document is intended to equip community-based organizations to make informed decisions about partnering with a for-profit drug checking venture or purchasing an onsite drug checking technology.

• Implementing Community Drug Checking in the United States: Considerations for Early-On, Evolving,
  and Advancing Programs

  This document is intended to advance the discussion of community drug checking at each stage of implementation. 

• Trans European Drug Information (TEDI) Guidelines: Drug Checking Methodology

  This document is a technical guide that provides information about drug checking techniques for those who are considering starting a drug checking program.

• National Council for Mental Health Wellbeing: Enhancing Harm Reduction Services in Health Departments, Fentanyl Test Strips and Other Drug Checking Equipment

  This document gives an overview of how harm reduction methods such as FTS and drug checking can be implemented within health departments.