Hair analysis: self-reported use of "speed" and "ecstasy" compared with laboratory findings

Cooper, G., Allen, D., Scott, K.S., Oliver, J., Ditton, J. and Smith, I. (2000) Hair analysis: self-reported use of "speed" and "ecstasy" compared with laboratory findings. Journal of Forensic Sciences, 45(2), pp. 400-406.

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Abstract

Drug use histories were collected from 100 subjects recruited from the "dance scene" in and around Glasgow, Scotland. In addition, each subject donated a hair sample which was analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) for amphetamine (AP), methamphetamine (MA), 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA), 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MD MA) and 3,4-methylenedioxyethylamphetamine (MDEA). The hair samples were analyzed in two 6 cm segments or in full, ranging from 1.5 to 12 cm depending on the length of the hair. Approximately 10 mg of hair was ground to a fine powder before treatment with beta-glucuronidase/aryl sulfatase. A solid-phase extraction procedure was carried out followed by derivatization with pentafluoropropionic anhydride (PFPA). All extracts were analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Of the 139 segments analyzed, 77 (52.5%) were positive for at least one of the five amphetamines. The drug concentrations found in the hair were compared with the self-reported drug histories. A concordance of greater than 50% was found between the self-report data and levels detected in hair. However, no correlation was found between the reported number of "ecstasy" tablets consumed and the drug levels detected in hair. An increase in the average drug levels measured was observed from low to high use (number of "ecstasy" tablets/month). A large number of false negatives and a low number of false positives were observed.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Scott, Dr Karen and Smith, Dr Iain and Cooper, Dr Gail and Ditton, Dr Jason
Authors: Cooper, G., Allen, D., Scott, K.S., Oliver, J., Ditton, J., and Smith, I.
Subjects:R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA1001 Forensic Medicine. Medical jurisprudence. Legal medicine
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing > Clinical Specialities
Journal Name:Journal of Forensic Sciences
Journal Abbr.:J. Forensic Sci.
Publisher:Wiley-Blackwell Publishing, Inc.
ISSN:0022-1198
ISSN (Online):1556-4029

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