Victorian Pill Testing Service

What is pill testing?

Victoria's approach to harm reduction puts people's health and safety first.

Pill testing is a free, legal and confidential health service that analyses the contents of drugs and provides accurate information to help people make safer, more informed choices.

Victoria has seen a rise in drug-related emergency department admissions and overdose deaths involving novel synthetic drugs. With new and highly potent drugs circulating, the risk of serious harm and overdose is increasing.

Pill testing can detect life-threatening substances and reduce potential harms by giving people the information they need to make informed decisions. The service can test the make-up of most pills, capsules, powders, crystals and liquids. It can’t test drugs in food items, plants, or very diluted substances.

Evidence shows that pill testing doesn't encourage people to use drugs. It allows people to see what's really in their substances and make informed, safer choices.

Pill testing service in Fitzroy

Victoria's fixed site pill testing service is at 95 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy. Here's how it works.

The free, legal and confidential walk-in service is open year-round. With non-judgmental health and harm reduction advice, people can better understand the risks and make safer, more informed choices.

The service operates three days a week, opening:

• Thursdays 10 am – 4 pm
• Fridays 1 pm – 7 pm
• Saturdays 1 pm – 7 pm

In its first year of operation, the service has become a trusted source of information, advice and support, helping thousands of Victorians make safer, more informed choices.

Pill testing at music festivals

Victoria's mobile pill testing service attends events across the state.

The service provides free, confidential drug checking to help reduce harm and keep festival goers safe.

The mobile service attended 10 events as part of the Victorian Government’s pill testing implementation trial. More than 2600 people used the service over two festival seasons. To date, the mobile service has:

• tested almost 2500 samples across 10 events
• had more than 1400 harm reduction conversations
• issued 5 on site notifications, providing early warnings about unexpected or concerning substances.

Data from the events shows the service's focus on harm reduction is working. For more than half of service users, it was the first time they had talked to a health professional about drug and alcohol safety. More than 30% said they would take a smaller amount after having this conversation.

Music festival season 2025-26 events included: Spilt Milk, Dangerous Goods 6XXL, Victoria’s Pride Street Party, Pitch Music and Arts Festival and Shadows of Wonderland.

Music festival season 2024-25 events included: Beyond The Valley, Hardmission, Pitch Music and Arts Festival, Ultra and The Warehouse Project.

Events for the 2026-27 music festival season will be announced later this year.

Read more about the mobile service on the Victorian Pill Testing Service website.

How does pill testing work?

The pill testing service is free, legal and confidential.

When you arrive at the service you will be asked to provide a small sample of your drugs. This is usually a tiny scraping of a pill or a bit of powder that a scientist will analyse.

A member of the harm reduction team will explain your results with harm reduction advice tailored to your sample and situation.

The talk may include information about:

• what the substance is made of, including expected substances and anything unexpected and potentially harmful
• information about safer use of substances
• how the substance may interact with prescription medications and existing health conditions
• how to access health services or other supports if you choose.

For many, this will be the first time they've had a chance to talk openly with a health professional about drug use in a confidential, legal, judgement-free space.

You will not get into trouble for using the pill testing service as it is legal to use.

How to reduce the risk of overdose

If you plan to use drugs, take steps to protect yourself:

• Take a small amount first and wait until you feel the effects before you decide whether to take more or not. Start low and go slow. Time of onset and effects can vary.
• Stay hydrated, especially in hot weather. Drink water and electrolytes regularly, take breaks, and avoid overexertion.
• Don't use alone – be with someone and watch out for each other. If someone feels unwell, find help straight away. You won’t get into trouble if you ask for help.
• Overheating, confusion, or trouble breathing are red flags. Get help quickly.
• Set limits and know where to go for help before you need it.

All drug use comes with risks, so take the following precautions:

• Be aware that false or contaminated drug products may be in Victoria, even if no specific warning has been issued about them.
• Get free naloxone and carry it with you – no matter what drugs you think you’re getting.
• Even drugs that appear 'pure' can cause serious side effects, interact dangerously with medicines and be fatal. Learn more on the Alcohol and Drug Foundation website.

See Drug overdose to learn what a drug overdose looks like and what to do if someone around you needs help.

Where to get help

• In an emergency, always call triple zero (000). Paramedics are focused on saving lives, not reporting drug use
• DirectLine Tel. 1800 888 236 – for help with alcohol or drug use, information, and support to access treatment