Understanding Xylazine: Customizable Drug Test Cups for Effective Detection

June 18, 2024

At Spectrum MDX, we are committed to providing the latest information and solutions to combat emerging drug trends. Recently, Health Canada highlighted the rising presence of xylazine in illicit drug samples. This blog post aims to inform healthcare professionals about xylazine, its effects, and how our customizable drug test cups can aid in effective detection, especially for substances like fentanyl and xylazine.

What is Xylazine?

Xylazine is a non-narcotic analgesic commonly used in veterinary medicine for its sedative and muscle relaxant properties. However, it is not approved for human use in Canada. Despite this, xylazine has been increasingly detected in illicit drug samples, often in combination with other substances such as fentanyl.

Key Findings from Health Canada's Report

Significant Increase in Xylazine Detections: The number of xylazine identifications jumped from 5 in 2018 to 205 in 2019. Between January 2012 and December 2022, xylazine was identified in 2,324 samples.
Geographical Trends: Ontario saw the highest number of xylazine submissions, making up 75% of the samples in 2022. British Columbia and Alberta also reported significant detections.
Common Form and Co-Occurrences: Xylazine is frequently found in powder form and mixed with other substances, with fentanyl being the most common co-occurring drug.

Health Risks and Symptoms of Xylazine

Understanding the effects and risks associated with xylazine is crucial for treating patients effectively. Here are the primary symptoms and side effects:

Central Nervous System Depression: Induces sedation, muscle relaxation, analgesia, and anesthesia.
Respiratory Depression: Increases the risk of overdose and fatality, especially when combined with opioids like fentanyl.
Cardiovascular Effects: Includes bradycardia (slow heart rate) and hypotension (low blood pressure).
Other Side Effects: Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and miosis (constriction of the pupils).

Customizable Drug Test Cups for Effective Detection

At Spectrum MDX, our drug test cups are designed to provide accurate and rapid drug tests, making them essential tools for substance abuse clinics and addiction rehab centers. Many of our drug test cups are equipped to detect fentanyl, and we offer customizable options to detect xylazine, ensuring comprehensive screening capabilities.

Why Choose Spectrum MDX's Drug Test Cups?

Rapid Detection: Quick results to facilitate timely interventions.
Customizable: Ability to customize cups to detect specific substances, including xylazine and fentanyl.
Bulk Availability: Order drug test cups in bulk to meet the demands of high-volume testing environments.

By staying informed and utilizing advanced testing solutions, healthcare providers can better support their patients and mitigate the risks associated with emerging drug threats. To learn more about our customizable drug test cups and how they can enhance your treatment programs, contact Spectrum MDX today.