How to Use Spike Shields
Peace of mind in three easy steps. It only takes a few seconds and blends effortlessly into your night out. Spike Shields exists to help people feel confident, protected, and in control — without changing how they live their lives.
Step-by-step instructions
Before you head out, stick it somewhere handy — phone case, wallet, purse. Keep it dry and try to avoid touching the test pads.
Drop it
Place 1–2 drops of your drink onto BOTH circular test pads.
Using your finger or a straw, drop the liquid and gently cover each test pad.
Check it
Observe the rapid colour change.
Results appear instantly, but give it 30–60 seconds if unsure, to allow full colour maturation.
Trust it
See what colour shows up.
Refer to the labels within the test. If the test pad indicates 'clear' then your beverage is absent of the drugs we test for. If 'unsafe', there are likely toxic substances in your drink.
If you're uncertain about the results, the people around you, or your environment — don't drink it.
Rules out drugs on our detection list. It does not guarantee the drink is free of all harmful substances.
Your drink is likely spiked. False positives are possible — don't take chances either way.
Stay safe &
informed
Everything you need to know about using Spike Shields effectively and maximizing your protection.
- Test your drink the moment you receive it — before your first sip.
- Results appear quickly, but allow 30–60 seconds for full colour development if unclear. When in doubt, don't drink it.
- Check the expiry date before use. Expired stickers may give unreliable results.
- Very dark liquids like coffee and red wine can stain the pads making them appear 'positive'. Dairy and coconut milk (including dairy based liqueurs), along with tonic water, may also exhibit false results. Avoid these drink types to increase the reliability of the test.
- Keep stickers sealed until ready to use — store at room temperature, away from moisture and direct sunlight.
- Single-use only. Do not reuse.
- Drop, don't dunk. The test pads contain chemicals — never place the sticker in your drink.
- For best results, test in adequate lighting so you can clearly see colour changes.
- If testing in a dark venue (club, bar), illuminate the test with your phone light.
- Each colour is clearly labelled 'clear' or 'unsafe'. Match the colour of the test pads to determine the result.
Your safety is the priority. Take these steps immediately:
- Do not drink the beverage. Even if you're not sure about the result, trust the test and your instincts.
- Tell someone you trust. Alert your friends, the bartender, venue staff, or security. Don't handle this alone.
- Keep the drink if possible. This can be used as evidence if you choose to report to police or venue management.
- Stay with trusted people. Don't leave the venue alone. Make sure someone knows what happened.
- Report the incident. Visit www.SpikeShields.com to report anonymously. This helps track patterns and protect others.
- Contact authorities if appropriate. Consider reporting to venue management, security, or police, especially if you can identify a suspect.
Even without a positive test result, trust your body. Symptoms may include:
- Sudden dizziness or confusion
- Feeling unusually intoxicated after minimal alcohol
- Nausea or vomiting
- Difficulty moving or speaking
- Memory loss or blackouts
- Feeling "out of it" or disconnected
- Unusual exhaustion or desire to sleep
- Tell someone you trust immediately — a friend, bartender, venue staff, security, medical professional, or police.
- If you're alone, get to a safe location and call someone you trust or emergency services.
- Seek medical attention. Tell responders you believe you've been spiked and describe your symptoms.
- Try to avoid going to the bathroom alone or leaving with anyone you don't completely trust.
- If possible, have a professional collect a urine or blood sample within 12 hours for toxicology testing.
- Emergency Services: Call 911 (USA/CAN) or 999 (UK) if you need immediate medical help.
- National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) — Available 24/7.
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741.
- Spike Shields Support: support@spikeshields.com — report incidents or get help.
What Spike Shields Detects
Spike Shields screens for common drugs used in drink spiking. Know what's covered — and what isn't.
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GHB (Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate) — A central nervous system depressant that causes euphoria, drowsiness, confusion, and memory loss. At higher doses, it can lead to unconsciousness and respiratory depression.
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Ketamine — A dissociative anesthetic that induces sedation, hallucinations, and a detached feeling from reality. Impairs motor function and memory.
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Cocaine — A powerful stimulant that produces intense euphoria, heightened energy, and loss of inhibition, followed by anxiety, paranoia, and impaired judgment.
The following have been detected with Spike Shields, though at higher concentrations than those associated with typical spiking doses.
Spike Shields use a broad-spectrum colorimetric reaction that targets amine-based compounds. Many untested substances in this family are detectable. Research and development are ongoing.
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Spike Shields is a screening tool. It is not a substitute for professional laboratory analysis.
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It cannot detect all possible substances that could be used to spike drinks.
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A negative result does not guarantee your drink is safe to consume.
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Results may vary based on drink composition, substance concentration, and environmental factors.
Always trust your instincts first. If something feels wrong, it probably is. Your intuition is your best defense.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Everything you need to know
How long do results take? +
Can I reuse a test sticker? +
What if I'm colourblind? +
Do the tests expire? +
Can I test any type of drink? +
What should I do if my test shows an unexpected result? +
Can I take Spike Shields through airport security? +
How should I store unused tests? +
Your Safety.
Your Terms.
Your Spike Shields.
Ready to carry your peace of mind?
Legal Disclaimer
This is a screening test for immediate use, not a laboratory diagnostic tool. Results are not guaranteed to be 100% accurate or conclusive and do not replace professional testing or medical advice. Always trust your instincts. If you feel unsafe at any time, seek help immediately. Manufacturer and seller are not liable for false results or misuse.