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Enzymatic assay for GHB determination in forensic matrices.

Vincent Grenier¹, Geneviève Huppé, Martine Lamarche

¹Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

Journal of Analytical Toxicology

|June 23, 2012

Summary

A new enzymatic assay offers a faster method for detecting gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) in forensic samples. This high-throughput screening method significantly reduces analysis time compared to traditional chromatography.

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Area of Science:

Forensic Toxicology
Clinical Chemistry

Background:

Traditional gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) detection methods are time-consuming.
A high-throughput alternative is needed for forensic analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

To adapt and evaluate an enzymatic photometric assay for GHB determination.
To assess the assay's performance in forensic matrices using the Thermo Scientific MGC-240 analyzer.

Main Methods:

Adaptation of a photometric enzymatic GHB assay to the Thermo Scientific MGC-240 analyzer.
Analysis of GHB in forensic samples including urine, whole blood, and vitreous humor.
Comparison with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) as the reference method.

Main Results:

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The adapted enzymatic assay requires minimal sample preparation for most matrices.

Correlation with GC-MS was acceptable, with no false negatives and few false positives.

Postmortem samples showed a higher tendency for false positives compared to antemortem samples.

Conclusions:

The enzymatic assay provides a rapid and efficient screening method for GHB in forensic toxicology.
Simple sample preparation and high throughput significantly reduce analysis time.
This assay is suitable for initial screening, with GC-MS used for confirmation.