OBJECTIVE: To establish the method to analyze γ-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) and its precursors 1,4-butanediol (1,4-BD) and gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) in urine through LC-MS/MS and provide evidence for related cases. METHODS: GHB-d6 and MOR-d3 were used as the internal standard. The urine sample was separated by LC after protein precipitation with methanol. The electrospray ion source was for ionization. Each compound was detected through multiple-reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. RESULTS: The limits of detection of GHB and its precursors 1,4-BD and GBL were 0.1, 0.1 and 2 μg/mL. The accuracy was 87.6%-98.1%. The intra-day and inter-day precisions were less than 15% and matrix effects were higher than 80%. CONCLUSION The method is high sensitive, simple, rapid, specific and with high reliability. This study has provided technical support and basic data for forensic cases involving GHB.
4-Butyrolactone/urine* ; Butylene Glycols/urine* ; Chromatography, Liquid ; Forensic Sciences ; Humans ; Hydroxybutyrates/urine* ; Mass Spectrometry ; Reproducibility of Results ; Tandem Mass Spectrometry

OBJECTIVE: A rapid color test for screening gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) and its precursor gamma-butyrolactone(GBL) was investigated in drink and urine samples. METHODS: In an acidic solution, GHB was converted to GBL, which reacted with hydroxylamine hydrochloride in presence of sodium hydroxide, forming hydroxamate. A purple complex was formed when hydroxamate reacted with ferric chloride in acidic condition. RESULTS: Detection limit concentrations of GHB in drinks were between 0.5-2 mg/mL, less than the popular abuse concentrations of GHB. This method was usable for urine, with detection limit concentration 0.5 mg/mL. Interferences of common organic solvents and narcotics and depressants were surveyed. CONCLUSION This method is simple, safe, and rapid; it facilitates rapid screening of GHB and GBL in clinic and forensic laboratories.
4-Butyrolactone/urine* ; Alcoholic Beverages/analysis* ; Anesthetics/urine* ; Beverages/analysis* ; Forensic Medicine/methods* ; Humans ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ; Hydroxybutyrates/urine* ; Solvents/chemistry* ; Sulfuric Acids/chemistry*