Xylazine ('tranq') is a veterinary alpha-2 adrenergic agonist sedative that has emerged as a contaminant in illicit drug supplies, particularly with fentanyl. It causes prolonged sedation, can cause severe skin wounds with prolonged use, and is not reversed by naloxone. LC-MS/MS testing identifies xylazine and its primary metabolite, important because it is not detected by routine drug screens.
This test is used in emergency toxicology, addiction medicine, and forensic settings to identify xylazine exposure, particularly in patients with prolonged sedation, severe skin wounds, or known fentanyl exposure. Sample type is urine, serum, or plasma.