Test Category: Toxicology
Investigation Name:Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (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 Hospital
Requestable Seperately?No
Lower Reference Range Limit:N/A
Upper Reference Range Limit:N/A
Units:mg/L
Minimum Sample Volume:50µL
Expected Turnaround Time:2-3 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.Complex Reference Range:N/A
Referred to Another Laboratory?No
Storage Requirements:Samples should be stored at 4oC prior to sending and should be sent at ambient temperature using the normal postal system.
Posting Address / Requirements:Toxicology City Hospital 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:Dr Loretta Ford Consultant Clinical Scientist, Toxicology 0121 507 6026
Email Address For Chasing Results:bcpspathology.info@nhs.net / swbh.toxicology@nhs.net
UKAS Reference Number:Not accredited
