Recent Trends in MALDI-MS Drugs Analysis in Human Hair: Pre-Analytical and Analytical Challenges and Pitfalls.

This article focuses on the application of matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) and MALDI imaging mass spectrometry (MALDI-IMS) in forensic hair analysis for detecting and mapping drugs of abuse. Hair analysis offers a longer detection window than biological fluids and allows segmental examination to assess drug consumption history. The review details pre-analytical challenges such as drug incorporation mechanisms and decontamination protocols, as well as analytical considerations including sample preparation, matrix selection, instrumentation, spatial resolution, sensitivity, and quantitation methods. MALDI-MS enables in situ localization of drugs within hair with high spatial resolution, though sensitivity and prevention of analyte delocalization remain critical issues. Overall, MALDI-MS and MALDI-IMS present promising complementary tools to conventional chromatographic techniques for forensic toxicology by providing detailed spatial and molecular information on drug incorporation in hair.