Determination of cocaine, cocaine metabolites and cannabinoids in single hairs by MALDI Fourier transform mass spectrometry – preliminary results. Issue 5 (6th February 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Musshoff, Frank; Arrey, Tabiwang; Strupat, Kerstin
• Is Part Of: Drug testing and analysis. Volume 5:Issue 5(2013:May)
• Page Start: 361
• Page End: 365
• Publication Date: 2013-02-06
• Subjects: hair testing -- mass spectrometry -- MALDI -- cocaine -- cannabinoids; Drugs -- Analysis -- Periodicals; Drug testing -- Periodicals; Chemistry, Forensic -- Periodicals; 615.1901
• DOI: 10.1002/dta.1453
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1942-7603

Abstract

Abstract : In a preliminary test, four single hairs of a drug abuser were analyzed for the presence of drugs by MALDI Fourier transform mass spectrometry (MALDI‐FTMS). Washed hair strains were directly fixed on a sample plate using pressure stable, double‐sided adhesive tape; α‐cyano‐4‐hydroxycinnamic acid matrix was manually spotted onto the hair strains. FTMS full scans were obtained moving from the hair root region towards the hair tip. Cocaine (accurate m/z ratio 304.15433) was identified mostly from the root of the hair and then later again towards the hair tip. This was confirmed by analysis of a second hair. Additionally cocaine metabolites with m/z ratio 290.13868 (benzoylecgonine), and m/z 318.16998 (cocaethylene) were detected for plausibility control. Using the MALDI technique, time‐related information was obtained concerning the behavioural pattern of the consumer with high resolution compared to conventional procedures. However, in two hairs of the same individual which were analyzed under the same conditions, negative results were achieved. These preliminary results confirm the applicability of MALDI‐MS for the determination of drugs and pharmaceuticals in hair samples being useful in forensic toxicology. The high chronological resolution allows an enhanced interpretation concerning the periods of drug administration. However, the negative results with two negative hairs have also demonstrated that hair analysis of single hairs can lead to misinterpretation. Different growth rates have to be considered, and particularly the phenomenon of different growth phases (anagen, catagen, telogen) require attention. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Abstract : MALDI‐FTMS as a useful procedure for drug testing in single hairs demonstrated for cocaine and THC in an authentic case.