Rapid colorimetric screening test for γ-hydroxybutyric acid (liquid X) in human urine

A rapid colorimetric test for the detection of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) is described. The ferric hydroxamate test for ester detection has been adapted to detect GHB in human urine samples from a healthy female and a healthy male subject. The assay can be performed within 5 min and with a GHB detection limit of 0.5 mg/ml when 0.3 ml of human urine is used and a GHB detection limit of 0.1 mg/ml when 1 ml of human urine is used. The colored complex indicating the presence of GHB is purple according to the assay conditions. Test results are free from the interference by alcohol, phenolic compounds and other biological chemicals under the assay conditions. In addition, the colorimetric test is free from the potential false-positive test result that could result from physiological concentrations of GHB. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.