[A color test for rapid screening of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) and gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) in drink and urine].
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.


CONCLUSIONS
This method is simple, safe, and rapid; it facilitates rapid screening of GHB and GBL in clinic and forensic laboratories.
Zhang
Shao-yu
SY
Fujian Public Security College, Fuzhou 350007, China. shaoyuzhang@126.com
Huang
Zeng-ping
ZP
D015107:4-Butyrolactone / Q000032:analysis* / Q000737:chemistry / Q000652:urine; D000434:Alcoholic Beverages / Q000032:analysis; D000777:Anesthetics / Q000032:analysis* / Q000737:chemistry / Q000652:urine; D001628:Beverages / Q000032:analysis*; D005554:Forensic Medicine / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D006885:Hydroxybutyrates / Q000032:analysis* / Q000737:chemistry / Q000652:urine; D012997:Solvents / Q000737:chemistry; D013464:Sulfuric Acids / Q000737:chemistry
D000777:Anesthetics; D006885:Hydroxybutyrates; D012997:Solvents; D013464:Sulfuric Acids; C111420:4-hydroxybutyric acid; D015107:4-Butyrolactone