Published Wednesday by the American Chemical Society (ACS), the study from Korean researchers developed a multicoloured temporary tattoo that reacts to the presence of GHB, a compound described as “commonly associated with drug-facilitated sexual assault.”
According to the study, the chemicals in the tattoo can detect concentrations of GHB in beer, liquor or coffee, changing colour from yellow to red in order to alert the wearer that their beverage may have been spiked.
“In practice, a wearer could dip a finger into a beverage, touch the drop to the sticker and see the result almost immediately,” the release reads.
The newly developed tattoos not only allow the users to test their drinks discreetly, but also act far faster than some older tests, delivering results in less than a second, rather than minutes.
Researchers also say the results last for up to a month, which can help preserve evidence of suspected tampering.
Also direct link to ACS
Thanks for your input.
While it isn’t the sole mean to end all date rape drugging, it is one additional tool to combat it. And the question regarding price is valid, but easier and more hidden way of using it is also an important factor for some. Not everybody is comfortable making a big scene in a bar.
Regarding selectivity: as an expert, is there a better indicator with broader selectivity without too many common false positives? As chemist, I can’t really imagine that, since the chemical structures I find for other date rape drugs are so different and no common structural motive between them.