Hair analysis

Hair is a unique specimen. It is the only sample which can provide a reliable drug history for the weeks and months prior to sample collection. The innovative method used at the Toxicology Unit was developed by Dr Rosa Cordero, a leading expert in the field of hair analysis and interpretation of the results. Analysis of hair is now a well-established technique. It is being used increasingly in crime investigation and Coroner's toxicology.

Method

• Uses Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (the gold-standard identification technique in the forensic profession)
• Identifies and quantitates specific drugs of abuse
• The quantitative results of 6-monoacetylmorphine (6-MAM) and morphine can be used to estimate heroin use as low or occasional use, regular or habitual use and heavy or excessive drug use
• Simultaneously detects other drugs including antipsychotics, antidepressants, anticonvulsants and analgesics
• The reported results are of a standard suitable for use in court

The method has been fully validated and published in a peer-reviewed journal:

Cordero R, Paterson S. Simultaneous quantification of opiates, amphetamines, cocaine and metabolites and diazepam and metabolite in a single hair sample using GC-MS. Journal of Chromatography B, 2007; 850: 423-431.

Provides evidence for long-term drug use in cases including

• Establishing a history of chronic drug use
• Revealing drug abstinence
• Demonstrating tolerance or lack of it
• Compliance with medication
• Deaths due to long-term cocaine use and its role in depression and suicide, sudden unexplained death and excited delirium
• Drug investigations: to show whether or not an individual was a drug user