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ABSTRACT
Hair is an alternative matrix to blood and urine with an interest in some cases and applications. Their analysis makes it possible to provide additional information, especially adapted for the differentiation between single and chronic use, as well as the detection of previous intoxications of several months. There is no standardized method, and the interpretation of the results remains controversial due to the variability concerning the incorporation of molecules into the hair according to different factors. This article describes the various existing analysis methods as well as their preparatory stages, providing a critical view.
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Read the articleAUTHORS
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Dr Stéphane PIRNAY: EXPERTOX Cabinet d'expertises toxicologiques & Laboratoire d'analyses industrielles, Alfortville, France - http://www.expertox.eu
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Clara GIANFERMI: EXPERTOX Cabinet d'expertises toxicologiques & Laboratoire d'analyses industrielles, Alfortville, France - http://www.expertox.eu
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Dr Ségolène DE VAUGELADE: EXPERTOX Cabinet d'expertises toxicologiques & Laboratoire d'analyses industrielles, Alfortville, France - http://www.expertox.eu
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Lona GUILLEMIN: EXPERTOX Cabinet d'expertises toxicologiques & Laboratoire d'analyses industrielles, Alfortville, France - http://www.expertox.eu
INTRODUCTION
Hair is an interesting alternative matrix that represents a considerable advance in biological analysis, particularly in forensic toxicology. Unlike conventional matrices such as blood and urine, in which molecules can only be analyzed for a few days or even a few hours, hair analysis extends the window of detection of exposure to certain xenobiotics by at least several weeks, depending on the length of the hair analyzed. Retrospective hair analysis enables us to establish the long-term consumption profile of a xenobiotic and its evolution over time. This matrix can therefore be used to detect both previous single use and repeated exposure. Numerous laboratory analysis methods have been developed using this matrix, and continue to evolve. This article aims to give a better overview of these methods and their biases, with particular emphasis on sample preparation through to chemical extraction.
Note: this article is taken from the journal "Annales des falsifications, de l'expertise chimique et toxicologique" published by the SECF (Société des experts chimistes de France).
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KEYWORDS
analysis | analytical chemistry | detection | hair testing | drugs | forensic
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Detection and assay of molecules in hair for forensic purposes
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