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Rapid Screening for the Detection and Differentiation of Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate Using Ion Chromatography

NCJ Number
236201
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 56 Issue: 5 Dated: September 2011 Pages: 1256-1260
Author(s)
Rachel R. Hughes, B.Sc.; G. Stewart Walker, Ph.D.
Date Published
September 2011
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This paper presents a new method utilizing ion-exchange chromatography (IC) with conductivity detection.
Abstract
The analysis of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) is problematic because it is hygroscopic, it lacks a good UV chromophore, and it undergoes heat-induced cyclization. This paper presents a new method utilizing ion-exchange chromatography (IC) with conductivity detection. The simple sample preparation, rapid analysis time, and inorganic anion detection capabilities are all advantages over the current methods. The detection of inorganic salts (formed during GHB synthesis) gives insight into the synthetic route utilized and can aid in drug seizure comparison. The developed method has a detection limit for GHB anions of 0.57 mg/L and chloride of 0.22 mg/L. A comparison of this technique with a current gas chromatography-mass spectrometry technique is presented, and a t-test found that the two methods' results are not statistically different at the 99.9 percent confidence level demonstrating the merits of this fast, simple, and informative IC method as a routine screening tool. (Published Abstract)

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