Comparison of ethyl glucuronide (EtG) and fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEEs) concentrations in hair for testing abstinence.
Summary of "Comparison of ethyl glucuronide (EtG) and fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEEs) concentrations in hair for testing abstinence."
Hair analysis is a powerful tool for retrospective drug analysis. By determining the minor ethanol metabolites ethyl glucuronide (EtG) and fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEEs) in hair, even a previous consumption of alcohol is detectable. However, previous studies showed a lack of correlation if both parameters are determined simultaneously. A further study was conducted to confirm or refute these results. One hundred and sixty hair samples were analyzed for EtG and FAEE in the context of driving ability. In 109 cases, alcohol abstinence was clearly proven and was excluded in 15 cases. In 36 cases, ambiguous results were found. Possible reasons for the deviating results are discussed. It is recommended, that in context of driving ability diagnostics the EtG result is determinant. In critical cases FAEE concentrations can be determined for checking purposes, but a negative FAEE result cannot refute a determined EtG concentration >7 pg/mg.
Affiliation
Institute of Forensic Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, Stiftsplatz 12, 53111, Bonn, Germany, elena.albermann@uni-bonn.de.
Journal Details
This article was published in the following journal.
Name: Analytical and bioanalytical chemistry
ISSN: 1618-2650
Pages:
Links
- PubMed Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21127843
- DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00216-010-4443-8
Medical and Biotech [MESH] Definitions
Ethyl Chloride
A gas that condenses under slight pressure. Because of its low boiling point ethyl chloride sprayed on skin produces an intense cold by evaporation. Cold blocks nerve conduction. Ethyl chloride has been used in surgery but is primarily used to relieve local pain in sports medicine.
Dithiazanine
3-Ethyl-2-(5-(3-ethyl-2-benzothiazolinylidene)-1,3- pentadienyl)benzothiazolium. A benzothiazole that was formerly used as an antinematodal agent and is currently used as a fluorescent dye.
Carbamates
Salts or esters of carbamic acid, H2NC(=O)OH, or of N-substituted carbamic acids: R2NC(=O)OR', (R' = hydrocarbyl or a cation). The esters are often called URETHANE or urethan, a usage that is strictly correct only for the ethyl esters. (From IUPAC [Internet]. International Union Of Pure And Applied Chemistry; c1995 [updated 2004 Jan 9; cited 2004 May 3]. Available from http://www.chem.qmul.ac.uk/iupac/class/oneN.html#35/).
Parabens
Methyl, propyl, butyl, and ethyl esters of p-hydroxybenzoic acid. They have been approved by the FDA as antimicrobial agents for foods and pharmaceuticals. (From Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary, 11th ed, p872)
Ethiodized Oil
Ethyl ester of iodinated fatty acid of poppyseed oil. It contains 37% organically bound iodine and has been used as a diagnostic aid (radiopaque medium) and as an antineoplastic agent when part of the iodine is 131-I. (From Merck Index, 11th ed)
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