The determination of endogenous steroids in hair and fur: A systematic review of methodologies.

Background: Endogenous steroid hormone assessment is essential for clinical practice. These hormones are typically measured in blood. More recently, measurement of steroids in hair samples has been gaining in popularity, so we have reviewed the methodologies used for this to-date.

Methods: Ovid Medline, CINAHL, Psychinfo, and EMBASE were searched to identify manuscripts that analysed cortisol, testosterone, androstenedione, 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17OHP), dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS), and/or 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), in hair or fur. Data related to sampling and measurement procedures were extracted and analysed.

Results: The systematic review included a total of 180 papers, with 82 % published in the past 8 years; 67 % were human and 33 % animal studies. Cortisol was by far the most common analyte. Incomplete reporting on sample harvest, preparation, and measurement procedures was common. Typically, samples were collected from posterior vertex of humans or back/neck of animals, weighing between 11 and 50 mg (with a range of 1.25-1000 mg). Samples were usually stored at room temperature, often using aluminium foil. Isopropanol was the most common cleaning solution. Hair was normally powdered or segmented prior to extraction. Extraction was typically carried out over 18-24 hours using methanol. Validation and precision information was provided in 47 % of studies.

Conclusions: This systematic review highlights the lack of standardisation in the analysis of endogenous steroids in hair. Reporting was typically incomplete, and assay validations were partial or absent. Together, these limit the value of these exciting new methods and hold back transition to clinical use.