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A small test that saves lives: What makes drug testing so powerful?
As drug use patterns continue to evolve around the world, drug testing services have emerged to help consumers reduce the risks associated with drug use. By testing the content and purity of sediments, these services allow users to make safer choices, avoid hazardous substances, use smaller doses, and avoid dangerous combinations of substances. Such a small test can actually save lives. How does the influence behind this come about?
Drug testing services have grown over the past twenty-five years to include twenty countries and are gaining traction in many more.
Drug testing initially focused on MDMA users at electronic dance music events, but as drug use became more sophisticated, the services expanded. Legal and cultural differences between countries have had a profound impact on the development of drug testing, resulting in a variety of service models, including mobile testing services at events and music festivals and fixed testing sites in city centers and entertainment districts. For example, in some locations, the availability of staff to handle illegal substances may affect the use of detection technology, which may limit the application of certain tests.
When consumers come for testing, they usually only need to provide a small sample (usually less than a single dose), and the test results can be obtained immediately, or they may be provided after a short wait or later. The service uses this time to discuss health risks and safe behaviors with consumers and provide public health information on drug use, new psychoactive substances and national trends.
History Review
The earliest drug testing activities were carried out in Amsterdam in November 1970, when a group of researchers from Amsterdam University Hospital began testing samples from drug users. The Netherlands' Drug Information and Monitoring System (DIMS) is considered the first drug testing service. Since 1992, it has tested more than 100,000 drug samples. Service users can get test results by phone or email within a week, and the service publishes aggregated results about the substances used.
European countries have been at the forefront of promoting drug testing services, including Asociación Hegoak Elkartea in Spain, founded in 1994, TechnoPlus in France, founded in 1995, and Modus Fiesta in Belgium, founded in 1996.
Over time, many countries have also begun to consider setting up drug testing services, such as the successful pilot in Australia in 2018. In November 2021, New Zealand became the first country to fully legalize drug testing, having originally allowed the practice under temporary legislation.
Drug testing methods
Foreground detection
Front-stage testing typically provides testing services at the event site and provides results instantly. At the BOOM festival in Portugal, for example, testers were given legal credentials to process samples.
Background detection
This method of testing is more limited, as the samples tested do not come from event participants, but from samples seized by police or security personnel, or from samples recovered from "drug disposal boxes".
Intermediate detection
This is an emerging testing model pioneered by The Loop in the UK. Testing is done on-site but without face-to-face interaction with the public.
Out-of-activity testing
Static testing stations are usually set up in entertainment areas to allow users to perform testing outside of activities. Under this model, samples are often submitted by mail or at a drop-off site, and the test results are then made public.
Analysis of detection technology
Drug testing services use a variety of analytical techniques, the most common of which include reagent testing, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, UV-visible spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. These technologies are all designed to identify samples and detect impurities and adulterants, making test results more accurate.
Drug testing has been shown to be an effective way to reduce the harms associated with drug use and help users understand how to use medications safely.
Studies show that drug-tested users are more likely to take actions to reduce their drug use and lower their risk. These services provide consultation to users who have not yet accessed existing services, particularly in challenging environments such as music festivals or nightclubs.
Ultimately, the development of drug testing is not only a technological advance, but also an important rethinking of public health policy. How to promote safe drug use is undoubtedly a question we must ponder as we face an increasingly complex drug market.
