Harm Reduction Drug Testing Kits

Drug testing kits can provide valuable information, but only when results are interpreted correctly.

Developed by experts at the Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science. This informative self-paced CPD course will help you gain the knowledge and skills needed to implement drug testing strips responsibly. Through interactive learning activities and real-world examples, participants will explore testing procedures, result interpretation, validation, cross-reactivity, and reliability considerations.

Whether you work in substance use services, community outreach, healthcare, or public health, this course will help you make informed and evidence-based decisions when using testing technologies.

Why this course matters

Drug testing strips are increasingly being used to support safer decision-making in harm reduction settings. But understanding how to use them correctly, interpret results accurately, and recognise their limitations is essential.

Key areas covered in this course include:

• Principles of drug testing strip technology
• Safe and accurate testing procedures
• Understanding and interpreting results
• Cut-off levels and detection thresholds
• Cross-reactivity and potential limitations
• Validation and result reliability

By the end of the course, you will understand the role and principles of drug test strips through to their practical application, interpretation, validation, and responsible use within a harm reduction setting.

Assessment: 30-question final assessment
Award: Digital certificate and badge upon successful completion