Evidence for the transfer of methadone and EDDP by sweat to children’s hair

In cases where there is a question as to whether children have come into contact with drugs, examinations of their scalp hair are frequently carried out. Positive test results are often discussed in the forensic community due to the various possible modes via which drugs and their metabolites can be incorporated into the hair. These include drug uptake by the child (e.g. oral ingestion or inhalation), but also contamination of hair via contact with the sweat from drug users. In this study, the possibility of methadone and its metabolite EDDP being incorporated into children’s hair by contact with sweat from persons undergoing opiate maintenance therapy (methadone) was examined. The transfer of methadone and EDDP via sweat from methadone patients (n = 15) to children’s hair was simulated by close skin contact of drug-free children’s hair, encased in mesh-pouches, for 5 days. Sweat-collecting patches (hereafter referred to as ‘sweat patches’) were applied to the test persons’ skin. One strand of hair and one sweat patch were collected daily from each patient. Analyses were performed using GC–MS/MS (hair) and LC–MS/MS (serum, sweat patches). After 4 days of skin contact, methadone was detectable in the formerly drug-free hair strands in all 15 study participants. EDDP was detectable in 34 of 75 hair strands, with the maximum number of positive results (11 EDDP-positive hair strands) being detected after 5 days. These results show that transfer of methadone and EDDP to drug-free hair is possible through close skin contact with individuals taking part in methadone substitution programmes. A correlation between serum concentration, sweat concentration and substance concentration in hair strands could not be demonstrated, but a tendency towards higher concentrations due to longer contact time is clearly evident.

Characterization of Cannabidiol in Alternative Biological Specimens and Urine, after Consumption of an Oral Capsule

Among the hundred cannabinoids present in cannabis sativa indica, cannabidiol (CBD) is a phytocannabinoid discovered in 1940, which can account for up to 40% of the plant’s extract. Medically, it has been proposed to treat convulsions, inflammation, anxiety and nausea. Contrary to the hallucinogenic ingredient of the plant, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, CBD does not seem to have a sedative effect, which can increase its popularity among users. The identification of CBD in blood and urine has been widely described in the scientific literature for several years. Only few data have been reported regarding CBD identification in alternative specimens, such as oral fluid, sweat, exhaled breath and hair. CBD capsules were purchased in the USA from a grocery store and a green capsule containing 22 mg of CBD was orally administered to a 59-year-old healthy man. Oral fluid was collected over 8 h using the NeoSal™ device. Sweat was collected using PharmCheck™ sweat patch technology over 7 days. Exhaled breath was collected with the ExaBreath® DrugTrap device over 8 h. Beard hair was collected 7 and 14 days after administration. Finally, urine specimens were collected over 48 h in plastic tubes without preservative. CBD was only detected in oral fluid at 15 min, at 20 pg/mL. Increasing concentrations, up to 96 pg/patch of CBD, were detected in the sweat patches. CBD was detected for 45 minutes in exhaled breath (Cmax of 302 pg/filter at 30 min). CBD produced a very low but significant chromatographic signal in beard hair, with concentrations <1 pg/mg. Finally, CBD tested positive in urine after enzymatic hydrolysis with a Cmax at 70 ng/mL, after 6 h.

Estimated fluid and sodium balance and drink preferences in elite male junior players during an ice hockey game

Research in many sports suggests that losing ∼2% of body mass (BM) through sweating impairs athletic performance, although this has not been tested in ice hockey players. This study investigated pregame hydration, and on-ice sweat loss, fluid intake, and sodium (Na+) balance of elite male junior players during an ice hockey game. Twenty-four players (2 goalies, 7 defensemen, 15 forwards) volunteered to participate in the study (age, 18.3 ± 0.3 years; weight, 86.5 ±1.6 kg; height, 184.1 ± 1.3 cm). Players were weighed pre- and postgame, fluid and sodium intake were monitored throughout the game, and fluid and Na+ balance were determined within the time between BM measurements. Sweat Na+ loss was calculated based on sweat loss and sweat [Na+] determined from sweat-patch analysis on the same players during an intense practice. Players arrived at the rink in a euhydrated state and drank 0.6 ± 0.1 L of fluid before the game. Mean playing time for the forwards was 18:85 ± 1:15 min:s and playing time for the defense was 24:00 ± 2:46 min:s. Sweat loss was 3.2 ± 0.2 L and exceeded net fluid intake (2.1 ± 0.1 L). Mean BM loss was 1.3% ± 0.3%, with 8/24 players losing between 1.8% to 4.3% BM. Players preferred to drink water and a carbohydrate electrolyte solution before the game and during intermissions, while only water was consumed during each period. Practice mean forehead sweat [Na+] was 74 mmol·L–1. Estimated sweat Na+ losses of 3.1 ± 0.4 g (∼8 g NaCl) coupled with low Na+ intake of 0.8 ± 0.2 g (∼2 g NaCl) resulted in a significant Na+ deficit by the end of the game. This study demonstrated that despite abundant opportunities to hydrate during a hockey game, one-third of the players did not drink enough fluid to prevent sweat losses of 2% BM or higher. Losing 2% BM has been associated with decreases in athletic performance.