The definitive marijuana guide from Cannabis UK
Nail analysis for drugs of abuse: extraction and determination of cannabis
in fingernails by RIA and GC-MS
by
Lemos NP, Anderson RA, Robertson JR
ABSTRACT
Fingernail clippings were evaluated as analytical specimens for the detection
and quantitation of cannabinoids. Specimens were obtained from consenting adults
attending a drug clinic, along with information concerning the drugs which they
had used over the previous six months. Methods for the surface decontamination
and extraction of the specimens were evaluated. Detergent, water, and methanol
washes followed by alkaline hydrolysis and liquid-liquid extraction were
selected for use in the study. Extracts were analyzed by radioimmunoassay (RIA)
and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to detect and quantitate
cannabinoids present in fingernail clippings. Positive RIA results were obtained
from specimens from six known cannabis users. The mean cannabinoid concentration
in fingernail clippings determined by RIA was 1.03 ng/mg. Using GC-MS, the mean
delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol concentration in fingernail clippings from a further
14 known cannabis users was 1.44 ng/mg. Using GC-MS, the average
11-nor-delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol-9-carboxylic acid concentration in fingernail
clippings from three known cannabis users extracted in acidic pH was 19.85
ng/mg. Based on these results, fingernails are potentially useful biological
specimens for the detection of past cannabis use in cases of medicolegal
interest.
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