Products Cited in Publications Worldwide Validating Presumptive Tests, Scanning Electron Microscopy and On-site Drug Screening Tools for Xylazine Detection

Validating Presumptive Tests, Scanning Electron Microscopy and On-site Drug Screening Tools for Xylazine Detection

Davis, Katherine; Lippincott, Leon; Malenius, Danielle; Saleem, Rida; Majeed, Saman

DOI:

Abstract

Xylazine, an α2-adrenergic agonist approved exclusively for veterinary use, has recently emerged as a widespread adulterant in illicit opioid supplies, particularly fentanyl. Its presence poses significant public health risks, including profound sedation, necrotic skin ulcers, and the lack of an effective antidote. Despite its growing implication in overdose cases, presumptive testing methods for xylazine remain underdeveloped in forensic and public health settings. This study addresses the urgent need for reliable screening tools by evaluating the applicability of chemical spot tests, microcrystalline tests, and commercially available xylazine immunoassay test strips and field drug test kits. A comprehensive panel of chemical reagents was tested, and crystal morphology was assessed using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Among the colorimetric reagents examined, Cobalt thiocyanate, (pH 7.0), Liebermann, Mandelin, Mecke, Marquis, Scott, and Young reagents produced distinct and rapid color changes with xylazine. Gold chloride yielded reproducible, well-defined microcrystals across xylazine formulations, establishing it as the most effective reagent for microcrystalline testing. All XTS yielded true positives with xylazine; however, many commercial and on-site screening tools displayed cross-reactivity or false-positive results, raising concerns about their specificity and reliability. These findings highlight the need to develop and validate xylazine-specific presumptive tests to enhance forensic investigations, support harm reduction efforts, and enable more informed, safer decision-making by people who use drugs.

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Eosin Y

A30828915086-94-997% BS

Eosin Y

29.0/25g

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