urine. Tis drug may be quantified in blood or plasma to confirm a diagnosis of poison- ing in hospitalized patients, provide evidence in an impaired driving arrest or to assist in medico-legal death investigations. Blood or plasma concentrations of this drug are usually in a range of 50–250 mg/L in persons receiv- ing the drug therapeutically (during general anesthesia), 30–100 mg/L in those arrested for impaired driving, 50–500 mg/L in acutely intoxicated patients and 100–1000 mg/L in victims of fatal overdose. Urine is oſten the preferred specimen for
routine drug abuse monitoring purposes. Both GBL and BD are converted into this drug in the body. Te method of detection for this drug is solid-phase extraction or liquid- liquid extraction, and then gas chromato- graphic-mass spectrometric analysis. Consumption of less than 1 gram of the drug acts as a relaxant, causing a loss of
muscle tone and reduced inhibitions. Con- sumption of 1-2 grams causes a strong feeling of relaxation and slows the heart rate and respiration. At this dosage level, the drug also interferes with blood circulation, motor coor- dination and balance. In stronger doses of 2 to 4 grams, pronounced interference with motor and speech control occurs. A coma-like sleep may be induced, requiring intubation to wake the user. When mixed with alcohol, the depressant effects of the drug are enhanced. Side effects associated with this drug
may include nausea, vomiting, delusions, depression, vertigo, hallucinations, seizures, respiratory distress, loss of consciousness, slowed heart rate, lowered blood pressure, amnesia, coma and death. Tis drug can become addictive with sustained use. Te drug goes by several names includ-
ing Gamma-OH, Liquid E, Fantasy, Geor- gia Home Boy, Grievous Bodily Harm,
Liquid X, Liquid Ecstasy (though it is not ecstasy), Scoop, Water, Everclear, Great Hormones at Bedtime, Liquid E, GBH, Soap, Easy Lay, Salty Water, G-Riffick, Cherry Menth, and Organic Quaalude. Our drug is Gamma-Hydroxybutyric
acid (GHB).
Rody Predescu, MD is an Operations Director at Quest Diagnostics. She serves as the Scientific Director and respon- sible person for the Forensic Toxicology Laboratory in West
Hills, California. Dr. Predescu has worked in the field of toxicology since 1987. She earned her medical degree from the Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Bucharest, Roma- nia. She also serves as a National Laboratory Certification Program (NLCP) and College of American Pathologists (CAP) Inspector.
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