Detection of gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) in beverages

OBJECTIVE: To establish an analytical method for the determination of GHB in beverages using GC/MS and LC/MS/MS. METHODS: After beverage samples with GHB-d6 as the internal standard were extracted with ethyl acetate, then the extracts were derivatized with N,O-bis(trimethylsilyl)trifluoroacetamide (BSTFA), at last the derivateized extracts analyzed by gas chromatography- mass spectrometry. After beverage samples with GHB-d6 as the internal standard were diluted by mobile phase then directly analyzed by LC/MS/MS. Results The limit of detection was 0.2 microg/mL and both relative standard deviations for between-day and within-day assays were < 8.54% in GC/MS. The limit of detection was 2 microg/mL and both relative standard deviations for between-day and within-day assays were <8.62% in LC/MS/MS. Conclusion These methods of qualitative and quantitative analysis were found to be sensitive, accurate, rapid and suitable for the forensic toxicology to test of GHB in real cases.