Analysis of Biofluids for Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate (GHB) and Gamma-Butyrolactone (GBL) by Headspace GC–FID and GC

6600 W. Touhy Ave.
Niles, IL 60714
Tel: 847.647.2900
Fax: 847.647.1155
circulation@jatox.com

Published: Journal of Analytical Toxicology, ISSN 0146-4760, Volume 24, Number 6, September 2000, pp. 421-428

Here is where the title stuff goes

Analysis of Biofluids for Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate (GHB) and Gamma-Butyrolactone (GBL) by Headspace GC–FID and GC–MS
Marc A. LeBeau, Madeline A. Montgomery, Mark L. Miller, and Steven G. Burmeister
Chemistry Unit, FBI Laboratory, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Washington, D.C. 20535

The past few years have seen a dramatic increase in the abuse of gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) and gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) in the United States. The abuse stems primarily from their euphoric and sedative properties, but these substances are also misused by bodybuilders as steroid alternatives. Recently there has been an alarming increase in the use of GHB and GBL in crimes of drug-facilitated sexual assault. A rapid and sensitive procedure was developed for the analysis of biofluids containing GHB and GBL. Two separate aliquots of a biological specimen were spiked with an alpha-methylene-gamma-butyrolactone internal standard solution. One of the aliquots was treated with concentrated sulfuric acid for cyclization of GHB to GBL and the other remained untreated. Both aliquots were extracted with methylene chloride and concentrated. Extracts were screened using automated headspace gas chromatography–flame-ionization detection (GC–FID). Qualitative findings were quantitated and confirmed in a manner similar to the GC–FID procedure with some modifications. A calibrated solution of GHB-d6 (or GBL-d6, when warranted) was added to the aliquots at a concentration approximating the level determined by the GC–FID screen. The extraction was as described with conversion of GHB to GBL, but analysis was by full-scan gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (EI). Quantitation was performed by comparison of the area of the molecular ion of the parent drug (m/z 86) to that of the calibrated deuterated analogue (m/z 92). This analytical procedure allows for the rapid detection of GHB and GBL in biofluids. Its sensitivity has proven useful for the toxicological investigation of cases of drug-facilitated sexual assault.

Reproduction of editorial content of this journal is prohibited without publisher’s permission.

This article is available in its entirety for $40.
Visa, Mastercard, or AMEX is accepted. It can be faxed or mailed to you. Please indicate your preference.

To order electronically click here
or call: 847-647-2900 ext. 1323
or fax request to: 847-647-1155.

To order multiple copies click here.

Please indicate JAT volume and issue along with page numbers.

For permission to reuse material from Journal of Analytical Toxicology, please access www.copyright.com or contact the Copyright Clearance Center, Inc. (CCC), 222 Rosewood Drive, Danvers, MA 01923, 978-750-8400. CCC is a not-for-profit organization that provides licenses and registration for a variety of uses.