Hair analysis: Self-reported use of "speed" and "ecstasy" compared with laboratory findings

Drug use histories were collected from 100 subjects recruited from the "dan ce scene" in and around Glasgow, Scotland. In addition, each subject donate d a hair sample which was analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) for amphetamine (AP), methamphetamine (MA), 3,4-methylenedioxyamphe tamine (MDA), 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MD MA) and 3,4-methylenedi oxpethylamphetamine (MDEA). The hair samples were analyzed in two 6 cm segments or in full, ranging fro m 1.5 to 12 cm depending on the length of the hair. Approximately 10 mg of hair was ground to a fine powder before treatment with beta-glucuronidase/a ryl sulfatase. A solid-phase extraction procedure was carried out followed by derivatization with pentafluoropropionic anhydride (PFPA). All extracts were analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Of the 139 segments analyzed, 77 (52.5%) were positive for at Least one of the five amphetamines. The drug concentrations found in the hair were compa red with the self-reported drug histories. A concordance of greater than 50 % was found between the self-report data and levels detected in hair. Howev er, no correlation was found between the reported number of "ecstasy" table ts consumed and the drug levels detected in hair. An increase in the average drug levels measured was observed from low to hi gh use (number of "ecstasy" tablets/month). A large number of false negativ es and a low number of false positives were observed.