Testing for GHB in Hair by GC/MS/MS After a Single Exposure: Application to Document Sexual Assault

The study investigated the detection of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) in hair to document single exposure, particularly in cases of sexual assault. Researchers collected hair samples one month after the alleged event and analyzed them using GC/MS/MS. They found that physiological concentrations of GHB in hair ranged from 0.5 to 12.0 ng/mg, with no variation due to hair color. A controlled administration of 25 mg/kg GHB to a volunteer showed that a single exposure was detectable in hair, with a significant increase in GHB concentration in the segment corresponding to the time of exposure. This method proved effective in documenting GHB exposure in cases of rape, as demonstrated by a clear increase in GHB levels in the relevant hair segment compared to others.