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Drink Detective Drug Test Instructions

Intended Use

The Drink Detective is a simple to use test developed specially for detecting all the most common drugs put into drinks to facilitate drink spiking and drug rape.

Principle

The G test detects particular changes in most drinks caused by spiking with clandestine GHB. A drink adulterated with illicitly manufactured GHB will instantly turn the G paper blue; the paper with most drinks will remain pink. Only a few drinks, like those which are oily or milk like and have the same property as illicit GHB and will give a false positive reaction.

Ketamine is a chemical known as a secondary amine. It can be detected with a special reagent in the K test, with little cross reactivity to other substances in drinks. These drugs produce a red/pink colour change. If no drug is present the paper will usually turn a white or grey colour. This test has proved to be very sensitive, but since the positive reaction is a red/pink colour, take care not to confuse a slight red/pink tint from the natural colour in red wine and orange juice. Positive results are obvious.

Benzodiazepines, or benzos, are a group of widely used drugs, and so are freely available. Flunitrazepam (Rohypnol®) is a sleeping pill also used as a sedative and a pre-anaesthetic drug. It has the effect of causing drowsiness and amnesia. Chlordiazepoxide (Librium) and diazepam (Valium) are common benzos. The B strip is an immunoassay, and uses antibodies, instead of chemicals, to detect drugs. The benzo in a drink will interact with the test strip to produce lines on the test area. One line means the drug is present (positive), two lines means it is absent (negative). The antibodies are affected by high concentrations of alcohol and so may not work with some neat spirits, but in this case no lines at all will form. However this type of drink is unlikely to be spiked.

Storage and Stability

The kit can be stored at room temperature or refrigerated (2-30°C). The Drink Detective should remain in the sealed pouch until use. DO NOT FREEZE. Do not use beyond the expiry date.

Directions for Use

  1. Bring the pouch to room temperature before opening it. Remove the Drink Detective from the sealed pouch and use it as soon as possible.
  2. Remove the dropper and use it to sample the drink.
  3. Put one drop on each of the G Test and K test and observe the immediate colour reaction. Do not rely on the colours later than 30 seconds after you have tested the drink.
  4. Put four drops onto the end of the B Test strip, and observe the magenta colour running along the strip.

Interpretation of Results

(Please refer to the illustration on the test)

G TEST

An instant blue colour indicates the presence of illicit GHB in a quantity likely to cause a harmful effect.

K TEST

An instant red/pink colour indicates the presence of ketamine in a quantity likely to cause a harmful effect.

B TEST

One or two lines will develop within a minute or so.
Their interpretation is as follows:

NEGATIVE: Two lines appear. This negative result indicates that the drink is free from benzos or else the benzo level is below the detectable level (500 ng/mL). The line on the right side is a ‘control line’ which confirms sufficient specimen volume, adequate membrane wicking and correct procedural technique. *NOTE: The shade of red of the left hand test line may vary, but it should be considered negative whenever there is even a faint pink line.

POSITIVE: One red line appears No line appears in the test region (T). This positive result indicates that the benzo concentration exceeds the detectable level (500 ng/mL).

INVALID: No lines appear. Insufficient specimen volume or incorrect procedural techniques are the most likely reasons for test failure. Review the procedure and repeat the test using a new test. If the problem persists, contact your local distributor.

Limitations

  1. The Drink Detective is a presumptive test intended to screen out all drinks which contain the common substances used in drug rape. A secondary analytical method must be used to obtain a confirmed result. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) is the preferred confirmatory method.
  2. It is possible that technical or procedural errors, as well as other interfering substances in the drink may cause erroneous results.
  3. A positive result indicates presence of a drug but does not indicate its concentration.
  4. A negative result may be obtained when drug is present but below the cut-off level of the test.

The Drink Detective gives a qualitative, presumptive analytical test result. If you wish to take legal action on the results a more specific alternate chemical method must be used in order to obtain a confirmed analytical result. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) is the preferred confirmatory method. Professional judgment should be applied to any positive result. Consider seeking help from the Drink Spiking Hotline described on the product pack.

 

Further Details including performance characteristics of the tests, Non-Cross reacting compounds and tested drinks are available in the Technical insert included with the test.

Safe Drinking Practices. - ways to stay alert and be on your guard.

  • Tell someone where you go & what time you’re expected home.
  • Avoid drinking alone. Friends should watch-out for each other.
  • Appoint a nominated drink watcher (e.g. the non-drinking driver?).
  • Plan your night out, arranging your journey to and from home.
  • Remember the biggest drug rape drug is alcohol. It affects your actions / reactions as well as ability to be alert.
  • Stay aware of what is going on around you and keep away from situations you do not feel comfortable with. Know your alcohol limit.
  • Never accept a drink from anyone you do not completely trust.
  • Don’t share or exchange drinks. Don’t drink discarded drinks
  • Don't leave your drink unattended, even when going to the toilet.
  • Drugs can be put in soft drinks, tea, coffee, etc., as well as alcohol.
  • Drinking from a bottle and keeping your thumb over the top is a good idea. Just remember that if you leave it unattended you may not be able to see if anything has been put in it.
  • If you return to your drink and it has been moved, looks different, appears to have been topped-up or tastes strange, don't take a chance.
  • Test it with the Drink Detective. Test your favourite drinks, and be alerted to different reactions.
  • Consider very carefully whether you should leave the pub, club or party with someone you have just met.
  • If you begin to feel really drunk after only a drink or two, seek help from a trusted friend or a member of the club or pub management.
  • Remember this crime happens to men as well as women.

 

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