Twelve months monitoring of hair GHB decay following a single dose administration in a case of facilitated sexual assault

.Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) is an endogenous precursor and metabolite of the chief inhibitory neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and an exogenous xenobiotic used both as a pharmaceutical and as a recreational drug.[1] Specifically, GHB has received significant attention in the last two decades for its frequent implication in cases of drug-facilitated sexual assault(DFSA), due to its bimodal euphoric-sedation effects.[1] Specifically, GHB-facilitated sexual assault (GHB-FSA) refers to the intentional administration of GHB by the offender(s) to a victim usually, but not exclusively, in a dating context in the form of a colourless and odourless liquid or a white powder. In this way, it can easily be added to a drink with the victim being unaware of its presence, and after, in a GHB-related intoxicated state, the victim is forced to have sex. In forensic investigations dealing with GHB-FSA, a crucial point is represented by a careful evaluation of the biological matrix/matrices to collect and analyze to demonstrate a possible GHB unconscious intake.