Interpretation of forensic cases based on empirical data

Over the course of the last years the importance of hair analysis increased obviously. For example work place testing, driving licence cases, so-called health checks, and especially in criminal acts the analysis of illicit substances is common. With the modern multiplex analytical methods (GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, LC/MS) the routine analytical probe of hair is in general unproblematic. But one of the major problems in hair analysis is the interpretation of the results. To solve this difficult and challenging task statistical data as a source of information could be a helpful tool. Examination of more than 1,000 hair segments within the past 2 years using gas chromatography/tandem-mass spectrometry (GC/MS/MS) as the preferred method for conducting the daily routine detection of the most prevalently abused drugs and metabolites, such as cannabinoids, cocaine, some synthetic drugs from the amphetamine group, and opiates serve as the basis for the statistics. The quantity of analytical results and additional essential facts have been documented in the publication to present our sources of information and supplementary data to prepare forensic reports. We hereby state that we do not have a significant financial interest or other relationship with any product manufacturer or provider of services discussed in this article.