Instant-Detection Wearable Tattoo Identifies Date Rape Drugs in Beverages Within One Second

New Temporary Tattoo Detects Date Rape Drugs in Seconds

Around 1 in 10 women and 1 in 20 men experience drink spiking, a dangerous act often linked to sexual assault. Now, a groundbreaking invention from the Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology offers a swift solution: a temporary tattoo that changes color if a drink is spiked with GHB (γ-hydroxybutyrate), a common "date rape" drug.

The tattoo changes from yellow to red upon detecting GHB, even in low concentrations.

How It Works

The tattoo sticker, detailed in ACS Sensors, uses a gel containing a chemical receptor. When exposed to GHB—a tasteless, odorless drug that causes dizziness, confusion, or unconsciousness—the tattoo shifts from yellow to red in under a second. Users simply dab a drop of their drink onto the sticker, which can be discreetly worn on the skin. Results remain visible for 30 days, serving as potential evidence.

Why It Matters

Current solutions, like test strips or drink covers, are less subtle or slower. The tattoo offers privacy and speed, crucial in crowded social settings. As the research team notes, this tool empowers individuals to “proactively enhance personal safety in high-risk environments.”

Researchers create the tattoo using molds and a specialized gel.

The Science Behind the Sticker

To make the tattoo, scientists poured a GHB-reactive gel into decorative molds placed on thin plastic film. The adhesive-backed stickers were tested across beverages like whisky, vodka, beer, and coffee, accurately detecting GHB every time.

The Reality of Drink Spiking

Spiking often precedes crimes like assault or theft. According to Rape Crisis, 40% of victims fear police won’t believe them, highlighting the need for reliable, personal detection tools.

The sticker can be discreetly tested by dabbing a drink onto it.

Availability and Impact

Though pricing and release dates are unconfirmed, researchers confirm the tattoos are inexpensive to produce and may soon hit the market. This innovation could revolutionize safety, giving users control in vulnerable situations.

By merging science with practicality, this tattoo provides a powerful step toward combating drink-spiking crimes.

The gel’s chemical reaction enables instant detection, visible for weeks.

Key Stats:

• 1 in 10 women, 1 in 20 men experience spiking.
• GHB causes rapid sedation and amnesia.
• Existing detection methods lack speed or subtlety.

As spiking incidents rise, tools like this tattoo could save lives—and bring perpetrators to justice.