Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 25, 2026

Validated LC-MS/MS Panel for Quantifying 11 Drug-Resistant TB Medications in Small Hair Samples
Published on: May 19, 2020
Drugs in hair: a new extraction procedure
C Offidani1, A Carnevale, M Chiarotti
1Institute of Forensic Medicine, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy.
Abstract:
An enzymatic hydrolysis of hair for drug detection is described. The results obtained with the suggested method are compared with those observed by chemical hydrolysis. Enzymatic digestion provides a high recovery (80%) for cocaine metabolite, while alkaline hydrolysis causes its chemical destruction. The two hydrolytic procedures yielded comparable results for morphine. The outlined procedure is recommended when unstable compounds are to be detected in hair.
Related Concept Videos
Hair Cells
Accessory Structures of the Skin: Hair and Hair Follicles
Hair is a keratinous filament growing out of the epidermis. It is primarily made of dead, keratinized cells. Hair strands originate at the epidermal penetration called the hair follicle. The hair shaft is the part...
Blind Procedures
Accessory Structures of the Skin: Hair Growth and Types
Extraction: Effects of pH
Handwashing II: Pre-procedure and Initial Procedure Steps
The hand washing procedure itself includes the following steps. First, cover cuts, if any, on hands with a waterproof dressing. Cuts and abrasions can become contaminated with bacteria hindering the ability to clean the area thoroughly. In addition, repeated hand washing can worsen an injury. The nails must be short and clean, without nail...

