“Tattoo” That Detects Drink Tampering in One Second

Researchers in South Korea have developed a temporary tattoo-like sticker that can instantly detect the presence of γ-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), a drug commonly used to spike drinks and facilitate sexual assault. The innovation, published in ACS Sensors, offers a discreet, rapid, and user-friendly method for drink safety—responding to GHB exposure in under one second with a visible color change.

GHB is a central nervous system depressant that’s colorless, tasteless, and fast-acting. It can induce confusion, drowsiness, and memory loss, making it difficult for victims to recognize or report tampering. Traditional detection methods—like test strips or cards—are often bulky, slow, or conspicuous, which can discourage use in social settings. The new tattoo sticker addresses these limitations by offering a wearable, skin-safe sensor that looks like a decorative temporary tattoo and reacts immediately when touched with a contaminated beverage.

To create the sticker, researchers poured a gel containing a chemical receptor into a mold placed over a thin plastic film printed with tattoo-like designs. The receptor turns red when it detects GHB. The back of the sticker is coated with a diluted glue solution, allowing it to adhere comfortably to the skin. In tests, the sticker detected GHB in whiskey, vodka, beer, coffee, and soju at concentrations as low as 0.01 micrograms per milliliter—below the threshold for serious physiological symptoms.

The detection process is simple: a user dips a finger into a drink, touches the sticker, and checks for a color change. The red signal remains visible for up to 30 days, which could serve as forensic evidence in cases of drink tampering. The sticker is inexpensive, easy to manufacture, and customizable in design, making it suitable for commercial production and widespread use.

This innovation represents a proactive approach to personal safety, especially in nightlife or campus environments where drink spiking remains a serious concern. It empowers individuals to test their drinks discreetly and quickly, potentially preventing harm before it occurs. The researchers hope the technology will soon be available to the public, offering a new layer of protection in social settings.