A study of patients presenting to an emergency department having had a "spiked drink".
OBJECTIVE
To assess the scale of drink spiking in our area and identify which drugs are being used to spike drinks and also to assess whether there is a problem with drink spiking in any particular establishment.


METHODS
A prospective study of all patients presenting to an emergency department with alleged drink spiking over a 12-month period. Samples were analysed for levels of alcohol and drugs of misuse. Information was collected as to where the alleged spiking took place and the involvement of the police.


RESULTS
75 patients attended with alleged drink spiking over the period of 12 months. 42 samples were analysed and tested positive for drugs of misuse in 8 (19%) cases. 65% of those tested had alcohol concentrations >160 mg%. The alleged spiking took place in 23 different locations, with 2 locations accounting for 31% of responses. Only 14% of those questioned had informed the police.


CONCLUSIONS
Most patients allegedly having had a spiked drink test negative for drugs of misuse. The symptoms are more likely to be a result of excess alcohol.
Hughes
Hywel
H
Emergency Department, Wrexham Maelor Hospital, Croesnewydd Road, Wrexham, Wales, UK. Hywel.hughes@new-tr.wales.nhs.uk
Peters
Rachael
R
Davies
Gareth
G
Griffiths
Keith
K
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000097:blood / Q000652:urine; D000435:Alcoholic Intoxication / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000652:urine; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D013287:Illicit Drugs / Q000032:analysis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D015813:Substance Abuse Detection
D013287:Illicit Drugs