Consultation

At Pill Testing Australia (PTA), we are proud to offer a range of paid consultancy services to organisations seeking to implement or enhance drug checking programs. PTA has been at the forefront of drug checking Australia since 2017. We are uniquely positioned to provide expert guidance, technical assistance, clinical consultation, peer work training, and service model development, empowering organisations to deliver high-quality, evidence-based drug checking services.

Our Expertise

Pill Testing Australia is recognized as a leader in the field of drug checking, having pioneered the first Australian drug checking trials at Groovin the Moo in 2018 and established the country’s first fixed-site drug checking service, CanTEST, in Canberra in 2022. Our work has expanded into festival settings, including multi-day events, and we continue to drive innovation in harm reduction.

We offer consultancy services that draw on our deep knowledge of drug checking technologies, clinical expertise, and workforce development. Our team of highly experienced professional have a wealth of experience in harm reduction, drug policy, clinical toxicology, forensic pharmacology and chemistry.

Our Consultancy Services Include:

1. Technical Assistance

  • We provide comprehensive support in selecting and deploying the right drug checking equipment for your service, including Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Photodiode Array (UPLC-PDA) systems.
  • Our team offers hands-on training for your staff, covering both the setup and operation of these systems to ensure accurate and reliable results.

2. Clinical Consultation

  • Our clinical experts are available to help you design protocols and procedures that align with best practice guidelines, ensuring your drug checking program meets the highest standards of safety and efficacy.
  • We assist in creating harm reduction messaging that is evidence-based, culturally relevant, and impactful for service users.

3. Peer Worker Training

  • Pill Testing Australia is a strong advocate for the integration of peer workers in drug checking services. We offer tailored training programs to build the capacity of peer workers to engage with service users, deliver harm reduction education, and contribute to the overall success of the program.
  • Our training ensures peer workers are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need to work alongside clinical and technical teams, providing non-judgmental support to clients.

4. Service Model and Logistics Consultancy

  • We offer expert consultancy on designing effective service models tailored to your specific needs. Whether you are setting up a fixed-site service, outreach or a festival-based drug checking program, we have extensive experience managing both environments.
  • Our team will help you navigate the logistical challenges of running drug checking services, including managing stakeholder relationships with event promoters, medical teams, law enforcement, and local health authorities​. 
  • We ensure that your service integrates seamlessly with existing health services while meeting the unique demands of the setting.

Why Choose Pill Testing Australia?

As the first organisation to deliver drug checking services in Australia, PTA is uniquely qualified to help your organisation navigate the complexities of setting up or expanding a drug checking service. We have deep, hands-on experience in every aspect of service delivery, from the technical operation of advanced testing equipment to the design of public health messaging that resonates with diverse audiences.

By partnering with Pill Testing Australia, you’ll benefit from:

  • Access to our team’s collective knowledge and expertise.
  • Proven service models that have been successfully implemented at festivals, fixed-site locations, and other community settings.
  • A commitment to harm reduction and open science, ensuring that your program aligns with the latest evidence and best practice.