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Published:
Journal of Analytical Toxicology,
ISSN 0146-4760,
Volume 25, Number 7, October, pp. 576-582
Application of a Convenient Extraction Procedure to Analyze
Gamma-Hydroxybutyric Acid in Fatalities Involving Gamma-Hydroxybutyric Acid,
Gamma-Butyrolactone, and 1,4-Butanediol
W.C. Duer, K.L. Byers, and J.V. Martin
Medical Examiner Department, Hillsborough County, Tampa, Florida
The most common chemicals that can be ingested and lead to greater
than endogenous levels of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) in decedents are salts
of GHB, gamma-butyrolactone (GBL), and 1,4-butanediol (BD). Results for three
deaths involving the ingestion of one or another of these three chemicals, which
led to findings of GHB in the decedents, are presented. An extraction procedure
that facilitates the quantitation of GHB was developed. If present in the same
specimen, both GHB and GBL can be quantitated. To determine the GBL concentration,
the specimen is first analyzed for existing GHB, the GBL is then converted to
GHB, and the analysis is repeated. The difference between the results in molarity
units can yield the GBL concentration. A separate procedure was utilized for
estimating concentrations of BD. Specimens analyzed included urine, blood, ocular
fluid, brain, and solutions consumed by the decedents prior to death. The procedures
were found to be convenient in as much as they are relatively rapid, precise,
and economical.
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