FAQ

ow likely is drink spiking?

Drink spiking remains an ongoing concern across Australia and New Zealand, particularly in nightlife and social settings such as bars, clubs, festivals, and events.

While official reports capture some incidents, drink spiking is widely understood to be significantly underreported. Many people don’t report incidents due to uncertainty about what happened, difficulty recalling events, fear of not being believed, or lack of evidence.

Safer Sips exists to support awareness, prevention, and early detection, giving people practical tools to look after themselves and their friends.

Has the CYD® test been thoroughly tested?

Yes. CYD® tests have undergone extensive development and independent testing.

They were developed over several years in collaboration with expert chemists and have been independently tested and validated by accredited laboratories and universities, including Clinical Trials Laboratory Services (CTLS), the University of Strathclyde, and Lucideon.

Testing has included a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages to ensure reliable performance in real-world conditions.

You can learn more on our About Us page.

How long does the test take to show a result?

Results typically appear within 10–30 seconds.

After applying a single drop of your drink to each test patch on the strip, a colour change may occur if certain substances are detected:

  • Yellow to orange
  • Pale pink to grey or blue

No mixing, rubbing, or waiting is required.

Can the test give false results?

In some cases, yes.

Certain dark red or strongly coloured drinks, such as red wine or blackcurrant-based cocktails, may stain the test patch and cause a false positive.

Highly acidic drinks, such as bitter lemon or lime cordial, may occasionally result in a false negative.

For best results, always follow the instructions provided and consider the drink type being tested.

Do CYD® tests detect methanol?

CYD® Drink Spiking Tests are designed to detect specific drugs commonly associated with drink spiking, including GHB, Ketamine, Cocaine and Scopolamine.

Methanol is a toxic alcohol linked to contaminated or illegally produced spirits, not typical drink spiking drugs. It is chemically different from the substances CYD® is designed to detect and will not trigger a colour change.

There is currently no simple rapid consumer test available anywhere for detecting methanol in drinks. Detection requires specialised laboratory equipment.

In regions where methanol contamination is more common, including parts of Southeast Asia such as Laos, it is advised to choose sealed ready-to-drink (RTD) products, avoid unlabelled or homemade spirits, stay vigilant about where alcohol is sourced, and use a NightCap® drink cover to reduce tampering risk.

Do CYD® tests detect “bute”?

Bute (phenylbutazone) is a veterinary anti-inflammatory that has appeared in some illicit drug markets in Australia.

It is not chemically similar to common drink spiking drugs and does not activate the CYD® test pads.

When should I use a CYD® test?

You may wish to use a CYD® test if:

  • Your drink has been left unattended
  • You feel unusually unwell or more intoxicated than expected
  • A drink has been purchased for you by someone you don’t know or trust
  • A friend is acting out of character after drinking

Many people also choose to test drinks simply for peace of mind.

What should I do if I get a positive result?

If a test shows a colour change:

Do not drink the beverage. Stay calm.

  • Tell someone you trust, such as a friend, venue staff, security, or a medical professional
  • Get to a safe place as soon as possible
  • Avoid leaving with someone you don’t know or trust
  • If you need urgent assistance, call 000 in Australia or 111 in New Zealand

If possible, seek medical advice and let healthcare professionals know you believe your drink may have been tampered with. Arrange for a trusted person to stay with you until you are safe.

How long do CYD® test strips last?

CYD® test strips have a long shelf life when stored correctly.

Each product includes an expiry date on the packaging. As a general guide, test strips are usable for several years from manufacture when kept in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture.

Always check the expiry date before use.

Do you ship to my country?

Safer Sips currently ships to:

  • Australia
  • New Zealand

If you are located elsewhere, please contact us and we’ll be happy to direct you to an authorised distributor in your region.

If you have a question that isn’t covered here, feel free to contact us at info@safer-sips.com. We’re always happy to help.