Quantitative Analysis of Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate at Endogenous Concentrations in Hair Using Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry

• NCJ Number: 230738
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 55 Issue: 2 Dated: March 2010 Pages: 531-541
• Author(s): Phillip A. Stout, M.S.; Kelsie D. Simons, M.S.; Sarah Kerrigan, Ph.D.
• Date Published: March 2010
• Length: 11 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

A method capable of quantifying endogenous concentrations of gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) in human head hair was developed and validated using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS).

Abstract

Hair was digested under alkaline conditions, and GHB was isolated using liquid-liquid extraction. LC/MS/MS was performed using atmospheric pressure chemical ionization in the negative mode, multiple reaction monitoring, and deuterated internal standard (GHB-D6). Linearity was observed between 0.1 and 100 ng/mg GHB (R2 = 1.000). The limits of detection and quantitation in human hair were 0.2 and 0.4 ng/mg, respectively. Accuracy at 2 ng/mg and 10 ng/mg was determined to be 97 percent and 94 percent, and intra-assay CVs at these concentrations were 5.2 percent and 7.4 percent (n = 4). Beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), alpha-hydroxybutyrate, gamma-butyrolactone, and 1,4-butanediol did not produce an interference, and there was negligible ion suppression or enhancement from the matrix. Tables, figures, and references (Published Abstract)