NCJ Number
221027
Journal
Canadian Society of Forensic Science Journal Volume: 40 Issue: 3 Dated: September 2007 Pages: 131-141
Date Published
September 2007
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This study examined three Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) test kits to determine how well the available kits detected GHB in a variety of beverages.
Abstract
The following was concluded: (1) all of the commercially-available test kits gave a positive response with Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) in water in the concentration range that could be found in a spiked beverage; (2) with the "DrinkSafe" cards, using the original green color as a reference as suggested by the manufacturer of the kits, only 7 of the 11 spiked drinks tested gave an obvious positive results; (3) in no case did a drink not containing GHB give a false positive; (4) in all cases, the control drink changed the color of the test spot; (5) having an appropriate reference point (testing a sample of the drink right after purchase) greatly increases an individual's chances of detecting GHB in their beverage; (6) the ability of the "DrinkSafe" cards and coasters to detect GHB did not seem to be affected by the pH or color of the beverage; (7) gamma-butyrolactone is closely related chemically to GHB and is used as a "date-rape" drug itself; and (8) due to the low cost of the test strips and coasters (less than $1 per test) and their apparent reliability, these kits could be used by investigating officers in "date-rape" cases as a quick screen for the presence of GHB in beverages. GHB is one of the most widely-used drugs for drink adulteration in "date-rape" cases. Several test kits have been introduced to detect GHB in drinks. These include "DrinkSafe" cards, "DrinkSafe" coasters, and "Drink Detective" test kits. This study was conducted to determine how well the available kits detected GHB in a variety of drinks. Figures, tables, and references