Application of a Convenient Extraction Procedure to Analyze Gamma-Hydroxybutyric Acid in Fatalities Involving Gamma-Hydroxybutyric Acid, Gamma-Butyrolactone, and 1,4-Butanediol

The most common chemicals that can be ingested and lead to greater than endogenous levels of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) in decedents are salts of GHB, gamma-butyrolactone (GBL), and 1,4-butanediol (BD). Results for three deaths involving the ingestion of one or another of these three chemicals, which led to findings of GHB in the decedents, are presented. An extraction procedure that facilitates the quantitation of GHB was developed. If present in the same specimen, both GHB and GBL can be quantitated. To determine the GBL concentration, the specimen is first analyzed for existing GHB, the GBL is then converted to GHB, and the analysis is repeated. The difference between the results in molarity units can yield the GBL concentration. A separate procedure was utilized for estimating concentrations of BD. Specimens analyzed included urine, blood, ocular fluid, brain, and solutions consumed by the decedents prior to death. The procedures were found to be convenient in as much as they are relatively rapid, precise, and economical.