title: Segmental hair analysis and estimation of methamphetamine use pattern.
abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate whether the results of segmental hair analysis can be used to estimate patterns of methamphetamine (MA) use. Segmental hair analysis for MA and amphetamine (AP) was performed. Hair was cut into the hair root, consecutive 1 cm length segments and 1-4 cm length segments. Whole hair was also analyzed. The hair samples were incubated for 20 h in 1 mL methanol containing 1 % hydrochloric acid after washing the hair samples. Hair extracts were evaporated and derivatization was performed using trifluoroacetic anhydride in ethylacetate at 65 °C for 30 min. Derivatized extract was analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The 15 subjects consisted of 13 males and two females and their ages ranged from 25 to 42 (mean, 32). MA and AP concentrations in the whole hair ranged from 3.00 to 105.10 ng/mg (mean, 34.53) and from 0.05 to 4.76 ng/mg (mean, 2.42), respectively. Based on the analysis of the 1 cm length segmental hair, the results were interpreted in a way to distinguish between continuous use of MA (n = 10), no recent but previous use of MA (n = 3), and recent but no previous use of MA (n = 2). Furthermore, the individuals were interpreted as light, moderate, and heavy users based on concentration ranges previously published.
authors.affiliation: National Forensic Service, 111, Daedeok-ri, Seosam-myeon, Jangseong-gun, Jeollanam-do, 515-822, South Korea. homepage2600@hanmail.net
authors.forename: Eunyoung
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Han
authors.forename: Heejin
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.forename: Ilung
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Seol
authors.forename: Yunshin
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Park
authors.forename: Bongwoo
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Joon Myong
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Song
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D019969:Amphetamine-Related Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis*; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000032:analysis*; D005260:Female; D053593:Forensic Toxicology; D008401:Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; D006197:Hair / Q000737:chemistry*; D006801:Humans; D057230:Limit of Detection; D008297:Male; D008694:Methamphetamine / Q000032:analysis*; D015813:Substance Abuse Detection / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D008694:Methamphetamine