Seoul: A temporary "tattoo" could provide partygoers looking for a safe night out with a secret indicator to detect drugs often used to spike drinks in public bars and clubs. Rohypnol, also known as a "roofie," and GHB, sometimes referred to as "liquid ecstasy" or "fantasy," are club drugs commonly used in nightlife settings such as bars, nightclubs, and raves. These drugs are illegal in many countries, including the United States, UK, and Australia. While certain doses can induce relaxation or euphoria, excessive amounts can result in severe symptoms like drowsiness, slurred speech, loss of motor function, confusion, and memory impairment, with overdose and toxicity being potential risks.
According to Deutsche Welle, current products allow individuals to identify if a drink has been spiked using strips that change color when detecting unwanted chemicals. However, this method can take minutes and may expose users to social risks due to its obvious nature. The newly developed rapid test by materials scientists funded by the South Korean government offers a more discreet alternative. Resembling a tattoo but functioning as a removable sticker, this product can quickly and subtly detect the presence of GHB. The sticker contains an iodide indicator called BHEI, which changes from yellow to red upon exposure to GHB. Tests have shown the sticker changes color almost instantaneously when exposed to GHB in various beverages and is sensitive enough to detect even minimal amounts.
"This innovation represents a proactive and accessible solution for preventing drug-facilitated sexual assault, enhancing personal safety, and fostering a sense of control and awareness in high-risk environments," the study's authors noted.
Despite its promise, further development is necessary before the product can enter the market. Kabrena Rodda, a forensic toxicologist at the Pacific Northwest Laboratory in the US, emphasized the potential unreliability of spot tests, which can yield high false positive rates, leading users to mistakenly believe their drinks have been spiked. Nonetheless, she described the Korean researchers' sticker test as "praiseworthy and important."
A venture company has been established to market the product in South Korea, but customization and adaptability to detect other drugs are currently limited. Gyeong-Ji Kim, the study's lead author from Sungkyunkwan University, mentioned that while customization is possible to some degree, it remains technically constrained. Future development of chemical receptors for other substances like opioids or synthetic cannabinoids could potentially be integrated into the tattoo sticker platform.