Citation

Skopp G, Potsch L, Zimmer G, Mattern R. Blutalkohol 1997; 34(6): 427-434.

Affiliation

Inst. fur Rechtsmedizin/Verkehrsmed., 69115 Heidelberg, Germany,

Copyright

(Copyright © 1997, International Committee on Alcohol, Drugs and Traffic Safety and Bund gegen Alkohol und Drogen im Straßenverkehr, Publisher Steintor Verlag)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

In a pilot study skin swabs, a non invasive way of test sampling for drug screening, were analysed using an on-the-spot immunological test and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). These tests were performed on 10 corpses where anamnesis was known. Three cases of acute, sub-acute and chronic drug abuse are presented in detail. Users of cannabis, opiate and of cocaine exhibited the unmetabolised drug and their primary metabolites on the skin. Cannabinoids could be detected in relatively low concentrations compared with cocaine and opiates. However, all substances occured in a wide range of concentrations. The cases that were presented confirm a regular transdermal excretion mechanism. The substances (single use) appear on the skin with some time delay and can be detected after the drug effect has disappeared. The retaining capacity of the skin produces a positive 'skin- test' in chronic drug users. Therefore skin swabs are not really an appropriate procedure to detect the latest drug consumption.