Test Category: Toxicology
Investigation Name:Gamma-Hydroxy Butyrate (GHB)
Alias or Abbreviation:GHB
Intro:
GHB is a naturally occurring compound within the body and is most commonly found in the brain. It can also be used as a recreational drug, causing euphoria, reduced inhibitions, and drowsiness.Due to this drug causing drowsiness, it is increasingly seen in date-rape cases, making analysis useful in the investigation of suspected spiked drink cases. This is analysed using GC-MS.
Pathology Laboratory:Toxicology, City Health Campus
Requestable Seperately?No
Units:mg/L
Minimum Sample Volume:50µL
Expected Turnaround Time:14 working days post sample receipt.
Test Code:GHB
Sample Type:
A minimum of 50µL of urine should be collected into a plain (white top) universal container.Blood/plasma/serum can also be used and ideally collected into gel-free tubes where possible. GHB analysis may also be performed on unknown fluids where necessary.
Specimens should ideally be collected within 8-12hours of an alleged drink-spiking incident, as the detection window for GHB is relatively small.
Referred to Another Laboratory?No
Storage Requirements:Samples should be stored at 4°C prior to sending and should be sent at ambient temperature using the normal postal system.
Posting Address / Requirements:Toxicology Department
City Health Campus
Dudley Road
Birmingham
B18 7QH
NPEX / PDF Reporting Available:NPEX and PDF reporting available.
EQA Scheme:The laboratory is enrolled on an EQA scheme for GHB quantitation with LGC Standards PT Schemes and samples are distributed biannually.
Further information:Contact the laboratory on : Tel: 0121 507 4138
Lead Contact Details:Lauren Starbrook, Consultant Clinical Scientist
Email: lauren.starbrook@nhs.net
Email Address For Chasing Results:rwh-tr.bcpsspecialistchemistryenquiries@nhs.net
UKAS Reference Number:Not accredited
Site Sample Tested:City Health Campus
Cost:Please email: bcpspathology.info@nhs.net for further details
Contact Number:0121 507 4138
