Pocketable probe could detect drink spiking

Granted, we've come across hordes of patent applications that were far from practical, but if it's the premise that counts, we suppose this one works out alright. The app calls for a "probe" which could then be inserted into a drink, and an indicator connected to a database that would enlighten you if your drink has indeed been injected with a noxious solution while you weren't paying attention. The process would also require that a blast of electricity be sent through the probe, and though it's not directly stated, it also entails that the user be sober enough to understand it and willing to bust it out whilst partying. We have our doubts about the last two ever truly working out.

[Via MedLaunches, image courtesy of BBC]

[Justin @ Aug 15th 2007 1:38AM]

oh yeah, forgot my anal probe!

[Alex @ Aug 15th 2007 1:38AM]

I'll take a dozen. *Adjusts his tinfoil hat*

Also perfect for oblivious hot girls at parties to avoid getting slipped rufies.

[fearless_fx @ Aug 15th 2007 2:00AM]

"Hey, i bought u this drink :)"

'oh wow! thanks, plz excuse me for a sec while i probe this thing'

[Ian @ Aug 15th 2007 2:26AM]

Obviously dreamed up by some lab rat who has never set foot in a dance club,rave or bar. Technically it works but practically useless.

Think of who needs these, young attractive women out for a good time and most likely at least half smashed. Can hardly see them coming back to their drinks every 10 minutes, pulling out the probe stuffing around.

Now if you had something as simple at litmus paper, i'd go for that.

Frikkin lasers at www.dragonlasers.com

[Del Monte @ Aug 15th 2007 4:40AM]

Too bad that there is always going to be a spectrum of people who will definately hesitate to use this even though it is in their favour. Maybe something like Ian has suggested, such as a paper based indicator. I have hope that further advances will deliver!!

[Kyle @ Aug 15th 2007 8:46AM]

I agree the concept of testing your drinks is good, yet this solution is bad.

How about something almost like a discreet retainer with a built in sensor (something small that you can "hide" in your mouth), that if you hold the liquid in your mouth for about 10sec, it could analyze and possibly alert you if anything bad was in it. Alert could be via bluetooth to a phone or something. This way the user could choose to stop drinking it, and possibly induce vomiting.

[Detox @ Aug 15th 2007 3:28AM]

Yes, cause nothing is cooler than using a electronic device to check your drink for alcohol at a party.

The Pocketable Probe! The ULTIMATE Women repeller!

[Grey Acumen @ Aug 15th 2007 9:17AM]

Don't they already have those coasters that if you spill a little bit of your drink on it, it'll change color if anything has been done to it?

This sounds far too complex compared to that.

[JS @ Aug 15th 2007 9:21AM]

Well roofies aren't just for girls anymore. I was out with a friend of mine last april we were just chillin and bar hopping in Hagerstown, MD. The next day neither of us could remember anything substantial after 2330. Woke up the next morning and realized we couldn't remember how we got home or what time we got there. Its a very strange feeling like erasing pencil from paper, you may still be able to see a faint outline, but you just can't read it.

I don't know why it happened, maybe just an asshole bartender having a little fun who knows. But I'd definitely support some paper based solution, not that I'd check every drink I get, but if I'm drinking somewhere that I don't go often I might test a drink or two.

[R @ Aug 15th 2007 9:55AM]

I thought the real question was:

"Will it play 'Doom?'"

[R @ Aug 15th 2007 9:56AM]

I think we all need one of these with that "Ask a Ninja" guy running around. He's always saying how he "looks forward to killing you soon."

[tiuk @ Aug 15th 2007 11:56AM]

It'd be cool if they could build this right into the glass. Of course, no club would spend so much on glasses that are just going to get broken.