New biomarker may extend detection window for date-rape drug GHB

Every hour is critical when it comes to detecting the use of drugs used to render victims unconscious. The substance GHB, which is commonly used in this way, is excreted rapidly from blood and urine. Researchers at the University of Zurich have been evaluating a new biomarker using urine samples from real forensic cases. This biomarker can indicate earlier GHB intake even when the drug is no longer detectable using conventional analysis.