Announcing Xylazine (Tranq) to our definitive urine testing menu

Nepenthe Laboratory is pleased to announce a new definitive test offering for Xylazine. This test is performed on our Sciex Triple Quad 4500 LCMS/MS system with an expected turnaround time of 48 hours or less upon receipt of sample. 

The following Executive Summary was published by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration in October of 2022 (The Growing Threat of Xylazine and its Mixture with Illicit Drugs (dea.gov). 

"Xylazine, reported as an adulterant in an increasing number of illicit drug mixtures, has also been detected in a growing number of overdose deaths. It is commonly encountered in combination with fentanyl but has also been detected in mixtures containing cocaine, heroin, and a variety of other drugs. However, xylazine is most frequently reported in combinations with two or more substances present. In addition to its presence in drug combinations, xylazine (often known as "tranq") is used on its own, though this is less frequently reported. Limited scientific research has been conducted on the effects of xylazine on the human body, but anecdotal reports indicate that users experience effects similar to opioids. Xylazine can lead to depression of the central nervous system along with other adverse effects, as reported in scientific and medical journals The presence of xylazine in illicit drug combinations and its detection in fatal overdoses may be more widespread than reported as a number of jurisdictions across the country may not include xylazine in forensic laboratory or toxicology testing."