ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Page Count: 4

Detection of Drugs in Human Hair Using Abbott ADx, with Confirmation by Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS)
Ludes, B
Forensic toxicologist, forensic biologist, and forensic toxicologist, respectively, Institut de Medecine Legale,

Kintz, P
Forensic toxicologist, forensic biologist, and forensic toxicologist, respectively, Institut de Medecine Legale,

Mangin, P
Forensic toxicologist, forensic biologist, and forensic toxicologist, respectively, Institut de Medecine Legale,

(Received 12 March 1991; accepted 11 June 1991)

Abstract

The authors suggest use of the fluorescence polarization immunoassay (FPIA) technique in evaluation of chronic drug abuse using human hair.

Hair was decontaminated in 5 mL of ethanol for 15 min at 37°C and then incubated in 3 mL of 1M sodium hydroxide (NaOH) for 1 h at 100°C. Afterwards, the aliquots were neutralized and analyzed using Abbott ADx for a negative or positive response for the following drugs: benzodiazepines, barbiturates, antidepressants, opiates, cocaine, amphetamine, and cannabis.

All the positive samples were confirmed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Only one false positive was detected (caused by interference of a phenothiazine with the antidepressants kit), clearly demonstrating the capability of ADx for toxicological screening of human hair.

Keywords:
toxicology, hair, abuse drugs, immunoassay, fluorescence polarization immunoassay

Paper ID: JFS13237J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS13237J
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