Quantitative analysis of gamma-hydroxybutyrate at endogenous concentrations in hair using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.
A method capable of quantifying endogenous concentrations of gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) in human head hair was developed and validated using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). Hair was digested under alkaline conditions, and GHB was isolated using liquid-liquid extraction. LC/MS/MS was performed using atmospheric pressure chemical ionization in the negative mode, multiple reaction monitoring, and deuterated internal standard (GHB-D(6)). Linearity was observed between 0.1 and 100 ng/mg GHB (R(2) = 1.000). The limits of detection and quantitation in human hair were 0.2 and 0.4 ng/mg, respectively. Accuracy at 2 ng/mg and 10 ng/mg was determined to be 97% and 94%, and intra-assay CVs at these concentrations were 5.2% and 7.4% (n = 4). Beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), alpha-hydroxybutyrate, gamma-butyrolactone, and 1,4-butanediol did not produce an interference, and there was negligible ion suppression or enhancement from the matrix.
Forensic Science Program, College of Criminal Justice, Sam Houston State University, Box 2525, 1003 Bowers Blvd, Huntsville, TX 77341, USA.
Phillip A
PA
Stout
Kelsie D
KD
Simons
Sarah
S
Kerrigan
D020155:3-Hydroxybutyric Acid / Q000494:pharmacology; D015107:4-Butyrolactone / Q000494:pharmacology; D002072:Butylene Glycols / Q000494:pharmacology; D002853:Chromatography, Liquid; D053593:Forensic Toxicology; D006197:Hair / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D012978:Sodium Oxybate / Q000378:metabolism*; D053719:Tandem Mass Spectrometry
D002072:Butylene Glycols; D012978:Sodium Oxybate; C039681:1,4-butanediol; D015107:4-Butyrolactone; D020155:3-Hydroxybutyric Acid