`Dipstick' test for fast detection of `date-rape' drug discussed

A "dipstick" which could be used to detect if a drink has been spiked with the "date-rape" drug rohypnol and a disposable strip to determine if a casualty patient has taken ecstasy were just two of a number of innovations discussed at a conference on drugs and science in Dublin yesterday.

Groups from the Science and Technology against Drugs Initiative, set up by the last Government, heard reports on a number of projects applying science to drug prevention and social science to research into the drug problem.

A team of UCD and TCD scientists reported on their detection device for the sleeping tablet rohypnol, which has been linked to sexual assaults.

In a study of volunteers who had taken between one and three tablets, very little drug was found in a urine sample using commercial detection kits.

The UCD Diagnostics Group has developed a new test which can detect very low levels of the drug in urine up to a week after it has been taken.

"Possibilities now exist to develop a `dipstick' test for rapid detection of the drug spiked into drinks," the group reported.

Two scientists from University College Cork, Prof George Guilbault and Dr Ciara O'Sullivan, are looking at a rapid diagnosis system for ecstasy poisoning. They hope to develop a pocket instrument using disposable strips to detect ecstasy, which could be used by first-aid teams, ambulance and casualty staff. The strips could be used to detect traces of ecstasy in urine or saliva.

A separate study by two UCD scientists involves looking at the effects of ecstasy combined with other drugs. "A major problem facing scientists investigating the possible long-term effects is the fact that many ecstasy tablets do not just contain MDMA."

The drug is frequently cut with caffeine, ketamine and amphetamine. "Also, many of the people who take ecstasy are polydrug users, and may combine ecstasy use with the use of hallucinogens, cannabis, smoking and alcohol consumption."

Two groups of social science experts are involved in determining the number of heroin users in Dublin. According to one study, by Dr Jo Murphy-Lawless from TCD, there were 1,657 heroin users in the north inner-city area of Dublin in 1997.