Rohypnol detection

Although the most well-known date rape drug is Rohypnol (see Chapter 5), the effects of GHB have also been exploited and used to commit sexual assault. In fact, the number of GHB-related sexual assaults in recent years has paralleled or even surpassed those involving Rohypnol. The number of GHB-related sexual assaults may be vastly underestimated because GHB is metabolized rapidly by the body and is often not detectable in blood or urine when the victim reports the... 

There are two common myths that are believed to increase the usage of Rohypnol among young people (1) it is a pharmaceutical pill sold in sealed bubble packaging, so it is safe and free of contaminants, and (2) it cannot be detected in urine samples. 

Both of these are false—Rohypnol pills are often crushed by dealers into a powder, and this powder may contain many contaminants incorporated by drug dealers. In addition, advances in medical technology can now detect Rohypnol metabolites in bodily fluids for 2-3 days after taking the drug. 

Law enforcement officials have improved their ability to detect the drug due to more sophisticated tests. Rohypnol remains detectable in urine for up to 72 hours. 

Rohypnol was suspected in this case because of the sudden onset and potent, alcohol-like effects. The degree of drunkenness and disorientation could not have been due to the alcohol alone. The victim had no way of detecting the odorless and colorless pill that quickly dissolved in her drink. 

The detection of flunitrazepam (Rohypnol) is especially challenging because of the low therapeutic and illicit doses, and the low degree of cross-reactivity of most immunoassays with the principal urinary metabolite, 7-... 

Called the "Drink Detective," it is a matchbox-sized drink testing kit that can detect three of the most common date rape drugs that sexual predators slip into drinks GHB, ketamine, and Rohypnol. The kit contains test pads for each of the three drugs, as well as pipettes for applying drops of a drink to the pads. For the first time, people going to bars, raves, or clubs could test their drinks for date rape drugs. 

B. Urine. Collect a specimen if it is within 72 hours of suspected ingestion and freeze for analysis. (Note flunitrazepam [Rohypnol ] may be detected for up 96 hours.)... 

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