title: Relationship between methamphetamine use history and segmental hair analysis findings of MA users.
abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between methamphetamine (MA) use history and segmental hair analysis (1 and 3cm sections) and whole hair analysis results in Korean MA users in rehabilitation programs. Hair samples were collected from 26 Korean MA users. Eleven of the 26 subjects used cannabis with MA and two used cocaine, opiates, and MDMA with MA. Self-reported single dose of MA from the 26 subjects ranged from 0.03 to 0.5g/one time. Concentrations of MA and its metabolite amphetamine (AP) in hair were determined by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC/MS) after derivatization. The method used was well validated. Qualitative analysis from all 1cm sections (n=154) revealed a good correlation between positive or negative results for MA in hair and self-reported MA use (69.48%, n=107). In detail, MA results were positive in 66 hair specimens of MA users who reported administering MA, and MA results were negative in 41 hair specimens of MA users who denied MA administration in the corresponding month. Test results were false-negative in 10.39% (n=16) of hair specimens and false-positive in 20.13% (n=31) of hair specimens. In false positive cases, it is considered that after MA cessation it continued to be accumulated in hair still, while in false negative cases, self-reported histories showed a small amount of MA use or MA use 5-7 months previously. In terms of quantitative analysis, the concentrations of MA in 1 and 3cm long hair segments and in whole hair samples ranged from 1.03 to 184.98 (mean 22.01), 2.26 to 89.33 (mean 18.71), and 0.91 to 124.49 (mean 15.24)ng/mg, respectively. Ten subjects showed a good correlation between MA use and MA concentration in hair. Correlation coefficient (r) of 7 among 10 subjects ranged from 0.71 to 0.98 (mean 0.85). Four subjects showed a low correlation between MA use and MA concentration in hair. Correlation coefficient (r) of 4 subjects ranged from 0.36 to 0.55. Eleven subjects showed a poor correlation between MA use and MA concentration in hair. Correlation between MA use and MA concentration in hair of remaining one subject could not be determined or calculated. In this study, the correlation between accurate MA use histories obtained by psychiatrists and well-trained counselors and MA concentrations in hair was shown. This report provides objective scientific findings that should considerably aid the interpretation of forensic results and of the results of trials related to MA use.
authors.affiliation: College of Pharmacy, Duksung Women's University, Seoul, South Korea; Innovative Drug Center, Duksung Women's University, Seoul, South Korea. Electronic address: homepage2600@duksung.ac.kr.
authors.forename: Eunyoung
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Han
authors.affiliation: College of Pharmacy, Duksung Women's University, Seoul, South Korea; Innovative Drug Center, Duksung Women's University, Seoul, South Korea.
authors.forename: Sangeun
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.affiliation: Drug & Forensic Toxicology, National Forensic Service, Wonju, South Korea.
authors.forename: Sanghwan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: In
authors.affiliation: Drug & Forensic Toxicology, National Forensic Service, Wonju, South Korea.
authors.forename: Meejung
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Park
authors.affiliation: National Forensic Service, Pusan, South Korea.
authors.forename: Yonghoon
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Park
authors.affiliation: Gangnam Eulji Hospital, Eulji University, Seoul, South Korea.
authors.forename: Sungnam
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Cho
authors.affiliation: Bugok National Hospital, South Kyongsang Province, South Korea.
authors.forename: Junguk
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Shin
authors.affiliation: CHEM.I.NET Ltd., Room 302, 773-3, Mok-dong, Yangcheon-gu, Seoul, South Korea; Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Korea University, 145, Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, South Korea.
authors.forename: Hunjoo
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Lee
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D019969:Amphetamine-Related Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis*; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000032:analysis*; D005260:Female; D008401:Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; D006197:Hair / Q000737:chemistry*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008694:Methamphetamine / Q000032:analysis*; D008875:Middle Aged
chemical_list: D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D008694:Methamphetamine
keywords: Drug history; Methamphetamine; Methamphetamine-dependent subjects; Rehabilitation program; Segmental hair analysis