Testing for GHB in Hair by GC/MS/MS after a Single Exposure. Application to Document Sexual Assault

Abstract

Although considered as a new drug of abuse, gamma-hydroxybutyrate, or GHB, has been used clinically since the 1960s as an intravenous anesthetic. It was also investigated for treatment of insomnia, of alcohol and opiate withdrawal syndrome, and in cerebrovascular disorders. GHB is a substance naturally present within mammalian species. Properties of neurotransmitter or neuromodulator are generally given to this substance (1,2). Doses of 10 mg/kg cause amnesia; 20 to 30 mg/kg cause sleep; and doses of 50 mg/kg or higher produce anesthesia. Illicit use of GHB typically involves doses of 35 mg/kg (3). People exposed to GHB involve: bodybuilders who believe that the drug stimulates the release of growth hormone, even if this activity is still under debate (4); ravers or club attendees for its intoxicating effects, such as euphoria, reduced inhibitions, sedation, and muscle relaxation that can benefit after ecstasy abuse (5); drivers as a result of recreational abuse (6); and victims of drug-facilitated sexual assault (7). The purported enhancement of sexuality, coupled with a possible abrupt coma-inducing effect, ease of administration in spiked drinks, and potential amnesia have resulted in the use of GHB as an assault-related drug. GHB is also attractive to rapists as it is readily available (Internet, on the street, in dance clubs or fitness centers).

Detection of gamma-hydroxybutyrate in hair: Validation of GC–MS and LC–MS/MS methods and application to a real case

“…The very low concentrations detected in the 2nd and 3rd cm from the scalp well represent the physiological GHB level of the subject, in agreement with the normal level observed in human hair (≤2 ng/mg). The quite higher concentration observed in the first segment was reasonably due to the endogenous GHB incorporation through sweat at the root level, as reported in the literature [11,14].…”

“…We obtained an estimated concentration of 0.28 ng/mg with GC-MS, and 0.27 with LC-MS/MS, in the low end of the range reported in the literature [11][12][13][14][15]; we subsequently used the calibration curves obtained with that specific matrix to quantify QCs and samples, and corrected the amounts of found GHB by adding the value of the "blank." Obviously, when using the standard addition method, the GHB content of the blank must be recalculated in case calibration curves are prepared with fresh hair.…”

“…Use of GHB as recreational drug is well known as causing driving impairment [9,10]. More recently GHB has also been used as a drug facilitating sexual assault (DFSA) or as a "date-rape" drug [11,12]. It is easily available on the street market, in fitness or dancing clubs or in the Internet, as well as its precursor gamma-butyrolactone (GBL).…”

Opioid overdose in a child: case report and discussion with emphasis on neurosurgical implications

“…16,17 In a nearly 4-year-long study in the English town of Merseyside, 42 children were reported with methadone intoxication. 5 Methodone overdose in children in the US is significant as well.…”

Détermination du GHB dans les poils pubiens par chromatographie gazeuse couplée à la spectrométrie de masse en tandem

“…Celle-ci présente l'avantage de pouvoir mettre en évi-dence le GHB plusieurs semaines après les faits. Les cheveux peuvent être utilisés comme un calendrier historique et permettent de détecter une exposition unique au GHB (3,4). Il n'y a pas de publication à ce jour sur la détection du GHB dans les poils pubiens.…”