New Aussie drink-spiking test revealed

Following a surge of drink-spiking cases in Australia, a new test has been created to help protect Aussies. Watch the video to see how it works.

A groundbreaking test that can detect if a person’s drink has been spiked is about to hit the Australian market.

From next week, SureScreen Australia’s multi-lined rapid beverage tests, which identify substances such as GHB, benzodiazepines, and ketamine in drinks within five minutes, will be available for purchase online.

A push is already underway for a two-year trial of the tests across clubs, bars and licence and premises - and ultimately for the tests to become part of Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) training.

Friends Stella Ayers and Chloe Gould (right) enjoying a drink at Low And Lofty's Cocktail Bar in Cronulla. Picture: Jonathan Ng

It comes amid a rise in drink-spiking, particularly in NSW, where drink-spiking - which often goes unreported according to the Alcohol and Drug Foundation - was 20 per cent higher in 2022/23 than the previous year.

The device works in a similar way to a Covid-19 rapid test, with the user drawing up the beverage through a dropper and dropping the liquid into a buffer tube before squeezing drops onto a test cassette.

The results are then available after five minutes, showing up as a colour change on the pad if the illicit substances are detected.

SureScreen Australia is a groundbreaking new rapid test that can detect if a person’s drink has been spiked. Picture: Jonathan Ng

SureScreen Australia’s managing director, Troy Stewart, said the firm had engaged extensively with state and federal government departments and sex crime units as well as the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation about the implementation of the rapid tests.

“We are particularly concerned about the rise of synthetic opioids such as ketamine and nitazines, which are being laced into substances,” he said.

“Markers on our device to detect these substances could be explored in collaboration with police, government departments and industry stakeholders.”

Troy Stewart from SureScreen Diagnostics Australia Bar with Celeste Matthews from Low And Lofty's Cocktail Bar in Cronulla. Picture: Jonathan Ng

Mr Stewart is proposing an awareness campaign and a government rollout that would entail a two-year trial to deploy the tests across licenced premises.

He also wants the tests, which cost $21, included in hospitality training, saying they could provide the “missing piece of the puzzle” when it came to cracking down on sex predators.

Andy Gourley, the national co-ordinator of Red Frogs – the youth charity that provides support to young people at Schoolies and other big events and festivals – said he backed the beverage rapid test in principle.

“We’re obviously in favour of stuff that minimises harm as well as early intervention so it sounds like a really good concept,” he said.

“I think the more harm prevention tools we can out there, the better.”

Andy Gourley, the national co-ordinator of Red Frogs, said he backed the beverage rapid test in principle. Picture: Adam Head

Celeste Matthews, owner of Low And Lofty’s Cocktail Bar & BBQ Restaurant and live music venue in Sydney’s Cronulla, said her venue had not encountered any incidents of drink-spiking, but she would be bringing in the tool as it would help ensure the safety of patrons.

“By implementing this device on our premises and raising awareness through a dedicated campaign, we will provide our patrons with a safeguard against potential harm, giving them the ability to request testing at any time,” she said.

Bar patron Syroni Moore welcomed the move, saying it would help women stay safe.

“As a young woman going out, it’s reassuring to know that there’s something out there that’s going to protect us,” she said.

“It’s reassuring knowing that if I’m going to have a few drinks with my friends, I’m going to go and have fun, that there’s something available that’s going to be able to help me or one of my friends if an unfortunate event does occur.”