Dr. Timothy Piatkowski is a Director of the Board for Queensland Injectors Voice for Advocacy and Action (QuIVAA), and a researcher and lecturer at Griffith University. His research philosophy is rooted in harm reduction, emphasising the importance of promoting informed decision-making among people who use image and performance enhancing drugs.

Background: The underground production and distribution of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) pose significant health risks due to their unknown quality and content. Despite their widespread use for aesthetic and performance enhancement, AAS are linked to severe physical and psychosocial issues. Over 66% of AAS from unregulated sources contain harmful or unidentified substances, emphasising the need for harm reduction strategies. This study addresses this gap by implementing the first-ever recognised AAS checking trial in Australia.

Methods: The trial involved forensic analysis of AAS samples submitted to CheQpoint in Brisbane, with results disseminated to the community. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants to explore their perceptions of AAS risks and the impact of the checking results. Data were thematically analysed using NVivo 12.

Results: From April 19 to June 7, 2024, 32 samples were submitted to CheQpoint, with 23 analysed. Discrepancies were found in 13% of samples, such as testosterone cypionate detected as testosterone enanthate, and oxandrolone replaced by stanozolol. Interviews with people who use AAS (N=23) were conducted specifically in light of the results disseminated. These interviews revealed that the community believed reliable testing was crucial for informed decision-making and risk reduction. Key themes included the value of accurate information, the need for accessible testing services, and the limitations of subjective health markers.

Conclusions: This study demonstrates the feasibility and importance of AAS checking programs in Australia, and beyond, offering valuable insights into user perceptions and the potential for such interventions to enhance harm reduction efforts. Further implementation and scaling of these services could significantly improve the safety and well-being of AAS users.