Apparatus and method for testing beverages for the presence of date rape drugs

摘要

An apparatus for testing for the presence of at least one date rape drug or prodrug thereof has at least one portion which changes colour in the presence of the drug(s) to be tested. The apparatus is in the form of a drinking vessel (Figure 3) or comprises a drinking paraphernalia for immersion in a drinking vessel, preferably a drinking straw (Figure 1), a stirring stick or a decorative umbrella 10. The apparatus may comprise a chamber 13 having a transparent or translucent portion 14, a port allowing fluid communication with the chamber and a portion 15 changing colour in the presence of date rape drug(s) such as 4-hydroxybutanoic acid, 4-hydroxypentanoic acid, ketamine, flunitrazepam or diazepam. Preferably the port is sealed with a frangible tip 16 and the chamber 13 is under reduced pressure. The port may be provided with a check-valve restricting fluid to flow from the chamber. A method for testing for spiked beverages using the aforementioned apparatus is also claimed.