None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
The purpose of this study is to compare hair drug analysis with urine and blood drug analysis which is currently used for investigating allegations of drug facilitated sexual assault (DFSA). Our hypothesis is that hair drug analysis will detect additional drugs than those detected in urine and blood samples. In addition, we hope to document drugs involved in suspicions of DFSA in the South Australian population, identify which drugs may have improved detection with hair toxicology and document time frames for drug detection in different biological specimens.
Interventions
Using hair as a biological sample to test for drugs known to be identified in drug-facilitated sexual assault. Hair is analysed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry for gamma hydroxy butyrate (GHB) and by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry for other drugs.
People in whom drug facilitated sexual assault is suspected will be asked to provide 2 samples of hair (collected by examiner) about a pencil thickness each. This will be taken at 4-12 weeks after alleged sexual assault. One sample wil
Using hair as a biological sample to test for drugs known to be identified in drug-facilitated sexual assault. Hair is analysed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry for gamma hydroxy butyrate (GHB) and by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry for other drugs. People in whom drug facilitated sexual assault is suspected will be asked to provide 2 samples of hair (collected by examiner) about a pencil thickness each. This will be taken at 4-12 weeks after alleged sexual assault. One sample will be analysed for GHB and the other sample will be used for the other drugs. This will be in addition to blood and urine samples taken as determined by the Sexual Assault Service protocols. Hair samples will be collected, stored and analysed in batches over a 2 year period which is the duration calculated to recruit 100 participants.
Sponsors
Tanya Boast
Study design
Allocation
Non-randomised trial
Primary purpose
Diagnosis
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
Attending the Yarrow Place Rape and Sexual Assault Service Alleged or concern of sexual assault Participant belief or concern and/or clinical suspicion of drug facilitation
Exclusion criteria
People who are bald. People undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy involving the head. Inability to attend follow-up visit
Outcome results
None listed