Spiked drinks? This new stir stick can detect them

Spikeless, a seemingly ordinary stir stick that’s actually capable of detecting common drink-spiking drugs within half a minute, has been developed by University of British Columbia (UBC) researchers. Gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) and ketamine, the most common drugs used to covertly spike a drink (often with intent to cause harm), are tasteless and odourless. Detection is typically near-impossible without special tools. Spikeless has a chemical-coated bioplastic tip that changes colour when it detects harmful concentrations of drugs in any drink. A tool like Spikeless will potentially prevent assaults, which are all too common: 10% of women and sexual minorities and 4% of heterosexual men have experienced drink spiking. Spikeless was first developed in 2011 by Dr. Johan Foster, associate professor of chemical and biological engineering and his brother, Andrew. Over the last few years, Foster, UBC Masters student Samin Yousefi and their team have developed the prototype and are now prepping for real-world testing while also launching a startup.“Anywhere there’s a bar—clubs, parties, festivals—there’s a risk,” Yousefi says in an article from the university. “People have tried cups, coasters, straws, even nail polish to detect these drugs. Our device is more discreet than existing alternatives and doesn’t contaminate the drink.”Researchers hope that venues will use Spikeless as a proactive safety measure, rather than have the onus be on individuals. “Prevention has often focused on individuals, but research and long-standing community health practices show us that these approaches don’t work,” Sasha Santos, a subject matter expert with more than 20 years’ background in public health, education and violence prevention who is advising the team, says in that same article from UBC.Early feedback from the hospitality industry has been positive, with many saying that the product could become a staple in bars, pubs and restaurants.

Spiked drinks? This new stir stick can detect them

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