Further evidence of in vitro production of gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) in urine samples

This study was designed to supplement previous studies that documented in vitro production of gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) in urine samples. Urine samples were provided by subjects who reported that they had never used GHB (n=31). The specimens were stored under standard conditions of refrigeration (5 degrees C) without any preservatives added. All specimens were repeatedly analyzed for the presence of endogenous GHB over a 6-month period using a previously reported headspace GC-MS method. Significant elevations in GHB were observed in many of the urine samples as storage time increased. As a result, the in vitro production of GHB may increase the apparent GHB concentrations in urine during storage. This potential for an artificial increase in GHB concentration must be appreciated when establishing the threshold between endogenous and exogenous concentrations of GHB.