Authors: Engelhart, David A.; Jenkins, Amanda J.

Source: Journal of Analytical Toxicology, Volume 26, Number 7, October 2002 , pp. 489-492(4)

Publisher: Preston Publications

Abstract:

Postmortem fingernail and toenail specimens were utilized for the detection of cocaine analytes and opiates. Nail clippings were obtained from suspected overdoses and/or drug users. Nail clippings were washed with methanol and then solubilized in 0.1M potassium phosphate (pH 5.0). Analytes were isolated from the solubilized nails and methanolic washes by solid-phase or liquidÐliquid extraction techniques. Quantitation was performed by gas chromatographyÐmass spectrometry. Clippings from each hand and foot were analyzed separately for comparison purposes. Concentrations of all the analytes were significantly higher in fingernails than in toenails. Cocaine analytes were detected in the nails of 15 cases with the following concentration ranges (ng/mg): cocaine (n = 15) 1.2Ð414.1; benzoylecgonine (n = 15) 1.4-170.3; ecgonine methyl ester (n = 14) 0.19-27.0; norcocaine (n = 12) 0.11-32.7; cocaethylene (n = 2) 0.08-2.93. Opiates were detected in 17 cases with the following concentration ranges (ng/mg): morphine (n = 15) 0.05-407.9; 6-acetylmorphine (n = 15) 0.04-504.0; codeine (n = 9) 0.06Ð8.84; hydromorphone (n = 4) 0.02-0.45. Oxycodone and hydrocodone were each detected in one case. The extent of drug incorporation due to external contamination was evaluated by comparing the differences in the amount of drugs detected in fingernails and toenails, along with the corresponding washes of those nails. These results demonstrate the usefulness of nails as postmortem specimens in detecting drugs of abuse.

Document Type: Research article

Affiliations: 1: Office of the Cuyahoga County Coroner, 11001 Cedar Road, Cleveland, Ohio 44106

Publication date: 2002-10-01

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• The Journal of Analytical Toxicology (JAT), established in 1977 and published 9 times a year, is the international source covering a broad range of clinical, forensic, and industrial laboratory topics regarding the isolation, identification, and quantitation of potentially toxic substances.

  With an emphasis on practical application, JAT articles provide improved and novel techniques for use in clinical, forensic, workplace, sports testing (doping), and other toxicology laboratories. Articles describe newly developed methods in immunoassay testing, gas chromatography, liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry, atomic absorption spectrometry, solid and liquid phase extraction techniques, and other analytical approaches. Worldwide readership includes toxicologists, pathologists, chemists, clinicians, researchers, and educators working in medical examiner and law enforcement laboratories, hospitals, university and independent analytical laboratories, as well as the drug manufacturing industry.

  Each year in October, we publish a special issue from the Society of Forensic Toxicologists.

  JAT, as determined by ISI Citation Index, is one of the two most referenced international journals in forensic science.

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