Why this toxicology expert is against pill-testing

A toxicology expert doesn’t think pill-testing is an effective way to avoid injury.

Nine people were hospitalised after a mass drug overdose at Festival Hall on the weekend, prompting renewed calls for pill-testing at festivals and similar venues.

But forensic toxicologist Andrew Leibie told Ross and John he doesn’t think having pill-testing on hand would effectively prevent similar situations in the future.

Mr Leibie said even “very sophisticated” equipment finds it hard to accurately determine what is in a chemical compound.

“You can do it very accurately, but it will take several days,” Mr Leibie said.

“You can do it fast and cheap… but what’s the point if it’s only 60% accurate?”

ROSS: Your pill customer is not exactly orientated to waiting three days.

MR LEIBIE: I suspect not.

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