The hair analysis proficiency testing program of the French Society of Analytical Toxicology

• Published in: Forensic science international 2000-01, Vol.107 (1-3), p.389-394
• Main Authors: Deveaux, Marc, Kintz, Pascal, Goullé, Jean-Pierre, Bessard, Janine, Pépin, Gilbert, Gosset, Didier
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Analytical methods; Atenolol; Biological and medical sciences; Buprenorphine; Chromatography; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid - standards; Clenbuterol; Cocaine; Cocaine - analysis; Codeine; Drug addictions; Drug dosages; Forensic medicine; France; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry - standards; Hair; Hair - chemistry; Hair analysis; Homogeneity; Humans; Interlaboratory studies; Laboratories; Laboratories - standards; Liquid chromatography; Mass Spectrometry - standards; Mathematical analysis; Medical sciences; Metoprolol; Morphine; Narcotics; Narcotics - analysis; Opioids; Proficiency testing; Public health. Hygiene; Public health. Hygiene-occupational medicine; Quality Control; Salbutamol; Substance Abuse Detection - standards; Temperature; Tetrahydrocannabinol; THC; Toxicology; Toxicology - standards
• ISSN: 0379-0738; 1872-6283
• DOI: 10.1016/S0379-0738(99)00181-4

In an effort to improve laboratories performing hair analysis in forensic cases, the French Society of Analytical Toxicology (S.F.T.A.) has implemented a proficiency testing program since 1992. Actually about 10 laboratories are participating. Each survey is dedicated to one analyte or one pharmacological class: opiates (6-monoacetylmorphine, morphine and codeine), cocaine and benzoylecgonine, tetrahydrocannabinol, buprenorphine and norbuprenorphine, β-blockers (metoprolol, atenolol), β2-agonists (salbutamol, clenbuterol). Animal hair was tested for clenbuterol. Prior to sending, hair samples were reduced to a powdered form, well mixed to ensure homogeneity, and then tested by GC/MS or HPLC/MS. Results confirm those obtained in a preliminary study on opiates and cocaine analysis in hair: a common analytical procedure has to be used by all the participants, including hydrolysis of hair. It is essential to work on authentic drug-positive hair samples and not on spiked samples. Participation at this program is free of charge and considered as an educational tool. Comparison of the results with those of other laboratories in Europe and USA shows that the analytical methods used during this program are in accordance with all the other procedures.