Toxicologist warns emerging synthetic opioids evade fentanyl test strips

Dr. Christopher P. Holstege of UVA Health's Blue Ridge Poison Center describes synthetic opioids informally called 'orphines,' which have appeared in the US since 2019 and have no approved medical use. He states they produce sedation, pinpoint pupils and respiratory depression similar to fentanyl and morphine, and that fentanyl test strips do not detect them.

Most relevant for: Clinicians and poison control personnel managing suspected opioid overdose or toxidrome cases where standard fentanyl testing may not identify the causative substance.

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