Distribution pattern of ethyl glucuronide and caffeine concentrations over the scalp of a single person in a forensic context. Issue 10 (11th May 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Meier, Ulf; Briellmann, Thomas; Scheurer, Eva; Dussy, Franz
• Is Part Of: Drug testing and analysis. Volume 9:Issue 10(2017)
• Page Start: 1594
• Page End: 1603
• Publication Date: 2017-05-11
• Subjects: hair analysis -- distribution -- ethyl glucuronide -- caffeine -- LC–MS3; Drugs -- Analysis -- Periodicals; Drug testing -- Periodicals; Chemistry, Forensic -- Periodicals; 615.1901
• DOI: 10.1002/dta.2186
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1942-7603

Abstract

Abstract : The distribution of analyte concentrations in hair across the scalp has not been thoroughly investigated. Differences in concentrations depending on sampling location are problematic, especially when measuring a second strand to confirm the result of the first measurement. Aiming at a better understanding of the concentration differences, the distribution of ethyl glucuronide (EtG) and caffeine concentrations in hair across the entire head of one test subject was investigated by dividing the scalp completely into regions of ca 2 cm × 2 cm area, yielding a total of 104 samples. For the quantification of EtG, a novel LC–MS 3 /MRM method was developed and validated with a limit of detection and limit of quantification of 2 and 4 pg/mg, respectively. Large variations of the concentration across the head were found, with factors of ca 3.0 and 10.6 for EtG and caffeine, respectively. These differences could not be attributed to measurement error alone. The concentrations were projected onto the subject's head, and concentration patterns were identified for EtG and caffeine. When examining multiple strands from within one 2 cm × 2 cm sampling area, the strands showed similar concentrations. Segmental analysis of selected 3 cm strands showed decreasing concentrations of EtG and caffeine from proximal to distal end, possibly due to wash‐out of the analytes. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Abstract : A new method for ethyl glucuronide (EtG) measurement in hair using LC–MS 3 is described. The extent of variation and distribution of EtG and caffeine concentrations in hair are described across the entire scalp of one volunteer. The implications of the findings for forensic applications of hair analysis are discussed.