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Screening and confirmation methods for GHB determination in biological fluids

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Abstract

The purpose of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of reported methods for screening and confirmation of the low-molecular-weight compound and drug of abuse gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) in biological fluids. The polarity of the compound, its endogenous presence, its rapid metabolism after ingestion, and its instability during storage (de novo formation and interconversion between GHB and its lactone form gamma-butyrolactone) are challenges for the analyst and for interpretation of a positive result. First, possible screening procedures for GHB are discussed, including colorimetric, enzymatic, and chromatography-based procedures. Confirmation methods for clinical and forensic cases mostly involve gas chromatography (coupled to mass spectrometry), although liquid chromatography and capillary zone electrophoresis have also been used. Before injection, sample-preparation techniques include (a combination of) liquid–liquid, solid-phase, or headspace extraction, and chemical modification of the polar compound. Also simple “dilute-and-shoot” may be sufficient for urine or serum. Advantages, limitations, and trends are discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratory of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Harelbekestraat 72, 9000, Ghent, Belgium

    Ann-Sofie M. E. Ingels, Willy E. Lambert & Christophe P. Stove

  2. Laboratory of Toxicology, National Institute of Criminalistics and Criminology, Federal Public Services, Vilvoordsesteenweg 100, 1120, Brussels, Belgium

    Ann-Sofie M. E. Ingels, Sarah M. R. Wille & Nele Samyn

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  1. Ann-Sofie M. E. Ingels
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  2. Sarah M. R. Wille
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  3. Nele Samyn
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  4. Willy E. Lambert
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  5. Christophe P. Stove
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Correspondence to Christophe P. Stove.

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Published in the topical collection Forensic Toxicology with guest editor Helena Teixeira.

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Ingels, AS.M.E., Wille, S.M.R., Samyn, N. et al. Screening and confirmation methods for GHB determination in biological fluids. Anal Bioanal Chem 406, 3553–3577 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00216-013-7586-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00216-013-7586-6

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