Apr 12, 2025 22:00:00

A new stirrer has been developed that changes colour when it detects drugs in drinks

A research team at the University of British Columbia in Canada has developed a stirrer-type testing device called ' Spikeless ' that can detect drugs in drinks within 30 seconds. The device changes color when it detects drugs in the drink.

New stir stick detects drink spiking in seconds - News | UBC Applied Science

https://apsc.ubc.ca/news/2025/new-stir-stick-detects-drink-spiking-in-seconds

UBC scientists invent stir stick that detects drugs in drinks | National News | thecanadianpressnews.ca
https://www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/national/ubc-scientists-invent-stir-stick-that-detects-drugs-in-drinks/article_fc4264db-1fbd-51e2-aae0-e94a0fe3ac7a.html

Spikeless was conceived in 2011 by Associate Professor Johan Foster and his brother at the University of British Columbia, and the prototype was developed over three years. Spikeless is a bioplastic tip coated with a special chemical, and when you stir a liquid mixed with drugs such as ketamine or GHB , the color of the stick changes as shown in the movie below.

UBC Engineers Develop Stir Stick to Detect GHB & Spiked Drinks in Seconds - YouTube


The sticks are single-use and can be used for both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and are intended for large-scale use in public places such as bars, pubs, restaurants and festivals.

According to the research team, drugging is often done covertly with the intent of committing assault or sexual assault.

Recent studies have found that about 10% of women and sexual minorities, and about 4% of heterosexual men, have experienced drugging in their drinks. Police across Canada have also issued numerous warnings about drugged drinks, and local police have launched awareness campaigns after 'multiple reports' of the practice at nightclubs.

'Spikeless is more discreet and won't contaminate your drink compared to other detection methods, such as regular cups, coasters, straws, or nail polish,' said Samin Yousfi, co-founder of Spikeless.

The research team aims to shift the responsibility for safety measures from individuals to establishments such as restaurants. Sasha Santos, an advisor to the team with more than 20 years of experience in public health, education and violence prevention, points out that 'prevention has often focused on individuals, but research and years of community health practice have shown that this approach doesn't work.'

At the time of writing, Spikeless is in the pre-testing stage, and startups are launching to commercialize it. There has been a positive response from food and beverage industry experts, and Associate Professor Foster commented, 'Having a place that offers Spikeless makes people feel safer, which is a competitive advantage.'