The Science Behind
Spike Shields

Learn how Spike Shields stickers work, what they detect and how we validate their performance to support real-world drink safety.

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How it works

How Spike Shields detects
drink spiking drugs

Spike Shields uses colorimetric testing, a technique where chemical reagents produce a visible color change upon interacting with specific target compounds. Applying a small drink sample to the test pads causes the reagents to react selectively, generating a color response within seconds.

This rapid, reaction-based method allows for reliable, on-the-spot screening without instruments or equipment in real-world social settings.

Detection

What Drugs Can Be
Detectable With Us

Spike Shields screens for a range of commonly used drink spiking drugs. Current detection includes:

Primary Targets

Common drink spiking drugs, detectable at real-world spiking concentrations.

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GHB

Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate

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Ketamine

Dissociative anesthetic

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Cocaine

Powerful stimulant

Secondary Targets

Detectable, though at higher concentrations than those commonly associated with drink spiking.

🌀Scopolamine ⚡Amphetamine 💊Oxycodone 🧬Morphine ⚗️Fentanyl 🔬Lorazepam 🌿MDMA 🧫Methamphetamine 🧪Etomidate

Broader Detection Potential

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Most drugs associated with drink spiking contain amine-based compounds — a chemical family that Spike Shields is designed to react to. Many untested substances in this family are likely detectable at varied levels. Research is ongoing.

Compatibility

What drinks
can be tested
with us.

Validated across the drinks people actually consume — not just water.

Validated

Spike Shields stickers are tested on the most commonly consumed beverages including beer, wine, cocktails, liquor, sodas, cider, energy drinks, juices and deionized water.
Incompatible

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.

Validation

How we
validate
performance

Spike Shields is engineered and rigorously evaluated in controlled laboratory settings to deliver dependable results. Independent validation is performed by accredited third-party toxicology laboratories affiliated with leading North American universities and hospitals.

Testing includes:

Reaction testing across different concentrations of each substance
Cross testing on various beverage types
Shelf-life and stability validation
Continuous refinement based on partner and community feedback

Spike Shields is a screening tool designed for fast, visual detection to support safer decision making in social settings.

Important Information

Use With Confidence. Use With Awareness.

While Spike Shields detects a wide range of substances, no test can identify every possible drug. A clear result should not override personal judgment. If something feels wrong, users should not consume the drink.

Spike Shields is a harm reduction tool, not a lab-based diagnostic device. Results are visual indicators and should be used alongside broader safety awareness.