Synthetic opioid overdose deaths have increased dramatically in the last decade – largely due to fentanyl overdoses. In 2021 there were more than 100,000 opioid-related deaths. Over 75% of these were associated with fentanyl. The opioid epidemic was initiated by the over-prescription of hydrocodone and oxycodone. When prescription rates fell, opioid users turned to heroin, and later to fentanyl and its analogs which have high overdose potential due to their potency. Fentanyl is 100-fold stronger than morphine and 50-fold stronger than heroin.
Fentanyl is now commonly mixed with various drugs including other, less potent, opiates, methamphetamine, and cocaine. This evolution of fentanyl abuse is a concern for life insurers due to frequent unexpected fatal overdoses by recreational users of any street drug.
Fentanyl is a synthetic molecule and will not be discovered in the classic urine or saliva opioid screen unless specifically tested for. To learn more about fentanyl testing or to add to your current opioid screening panel, contact your CRL Sales Representative.