Published: Journal of Analytical Toxicology, Volume 24, Number 1, January/February, pp.1-7
Determination of g-Hydroxybutyrate (GHB) in Biological Specimens by Gas Chromatography–Mass SpectrometryA simple liquid–liquid extraction procedure for the analysis of g-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) in biological fluids without conversion to its lactone, g-butyrolactone, is described. Following derivatization to its di-TMS derivative, GHB was detected using gas chromatography–electron impact mass spectrometry. Diethylene glycol was used as the internal standard. The limit of quantitation in 1 mL of blood was 1 mg/L, and a linear response was observed over the concentration range 1 to 100 mg/L. Coefficients of variation for both intra-assay precision and interassay reproducibility ranged between 3.9 and 12.0%. GHB was detected in the blood of a sexual assault victim (3.2 mg/L), in the blood of two driving (DUI) cases (33 and 34 mg/L), and in the blood and urine of two nonfatal GHB-overdose cases (blood 130 and 221 mg/L; urine 1.6 and 2.2 g/L). The observed clinical symptoms ranged from confusion, disorientation, vomiting, and nystagmus to ataxia, sinus bradycardia, unconsciousness, and apnea.
Reproduction of editorial content of this journal is prohibited without publisher’s permission.
| This article is available in its entirety by fax for $4.00 per page. Visa or MasterCard accepted. To order electronically click
here Please indicate JAT volume and issue along with page numbers. |
| Home | Subscribe | Current Issue | Back Issues | Search | Advertise | Other Publications | Site Map |