A new study has found that an experimental temporary tattoo can almost instantly test beverages for the presence of unwanted drugs. Published Wednesday by the American Chemical Society, the study developed a multicolored temporary tattoo that reacts to the presence of GHB, a compound commonly known as the “date rape drug.” These drugs are colorless and tasteless, inducing a stupor in the victim that’s similar to severe alcohol intoxication. Consuming a drink spiked with GHB when drinking in a social setting is an ever-present danger, even among friends and acquaintances. According to the study, the chemicals in the tattoo can detect concentrations of GHB in beer, liquor or coffee, changing color 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. In recent years, scientists have developed a variety of products to check beverages for drugs, from chemical test strips to more inconspicuous options like nail polish, coasters and stir sticks. The newly developed tattoos not only allow users to test their drinks discreetly, but also act far faster than some older tests, delivering results in less than a second, rather than in minutes. Researchers also say the results last for up to a month, which can help preserve evidence of suspected tampering. The tattoos are inexpensive to manufacture and could be commercially available soon.
