Prevalence of g-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) in serum samples of amphetamine, metamphetamine and ecstasy impaired drivers
S. Dresen, J. Kempf, W. Weinmann *
Institute of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Toxicology, University Hospital, Albertstr. 9, D-79104 Freiburg, Germany Received 25 August 2006; received in revised form 5 February 2007; accepted 7 February 2007
Abstract
Two hundred and forty-seven serum samples which have been collected by police during roadside testing and have been found positive for
amphetamine, methamphetamine, 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA), 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and/or 3,4-methylenedioxyethamphetamine
(MDE) were analyzed for g-hydroxybutyrate (GHB). Serum samples were spiked with deuterated GHB as internal standard and acetonitrile was added to achieve dilution and protein precipitation.
Samples were analyzed with a LC–MS/MS system operated in the multiple reaction monitoring mode (MRM) using a TurboIonSpray source.
Chromatographic separation was achieved using a Synergi Polar RP column applying a gradient elution with a runtime of 15 min.
To differentiate between endogenous and exogenously administered GHB a cut-off concentration of 10 mg/mL was applied.
Five samples
exceeded this concentration and were found positive for GHB. These samples were only found positive for amphetamine but no other amphetamine
derivatives were detected, while in three samples THC and in one sample cocaine, benzoylecgonine and ethanol were found.
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