Development of a test kit for gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) and Gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) in beverages for forensic application
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Abstract
The objectives of this study are to (1) develop a rapid color test kit for the screening of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) and its precursor, gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) in beverages and (2) examine the suitable condition and the effect of beverage color on the detection of GHB and GBL. The colorimetric method was employed to detect the purple-color complex from the reaction of ferric hydroxamate test of GHB and GBL. The samples studied prepared by adding GHB and GBL into the beverages.
The beverages included water, green tea, 5% alcohol and variety of soda pops of difference colors. The research results were found as follows;
- The test kit is capable of detecting both GHB and GBL.
- The detection limits (LOD) were 0.47 mg/mL and 1.05 mg/mL for GHB and GBL respectively.
- The test results were free from interferences of alcohol, dissolved CO2, sweetener and color of the beverage under the analysis condition.
The test kit is a rapid method, simple to use and convenient to carry around. The results from this study have demonstrated the potential of the test kit in forensic examination of GHB and GBL present in beverages.
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