Anatomy and physiology of hair, and principles for its collection

Cooper, G. A. A. (2015) Anatomy and physiology of hair, and principles for its collection. In: Kintz, P., Salomone, A. and Vincenti, M. (eds.) Hair Analysis in Clinical and Forensic Toxicology. Elsevier, pp. 1-22. ISBN 9780128017005 (doi: 10.1016/B978-0-12-801700-5.00001-7)

Abstract

The incorporation of drugs and metabolites into the growing hair follicle provides the basis for a historical record of past use and exposure to drugs. Hair growth rates vary depending on the type of hair and also vary from person to person but using an average head hair growth rate of 1 cm/month allows an estimate of the timescale of drug use/exposure in the months prior to sample collection. The key structures of the anatomy involved in the formation of the hair follicle and incorporation of drugs are described and special attention given to the three main routes of incorporation: from the bloodstream, sweat and sebum bathing the hair, and from numerous sources of external contamination. The mechanisms of incorporation are also addressed focusing on the role of melanin and the question of a dose–response relationship. Finally, sample collection protocols are discussed in addition to highlighting case-specific differences for workplace drug testing, postmortem investigations, and drug-facilitated crimes.

• Item Type: Book Sections
• Status: Published
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Cooper, Dr Gail
• Authors: Cooper, G. A. A.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing
• Publisher: Elsevier
• ISBN: 9780128017005