Cocaine and Metabolites, Confirmation, Serum

Test Code
35818


Alias/See Also
LAB968
COC
COCAETHYLENE
M-HYDROXYBENZOYLECGONINE


Preferred Specimen
5 mL serum collected in a red-top tube (no gel)


Minimum Volume
2.5 mL


Transport Container
Transport tube


Transport Temperature
Frozen


Specimen Stability
Room temperature: Unacceptable
Refrigerated: 72 hours
Frozen: 7 days


Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Serum separator tube (SST)


Methodology
Chromatography Mass Spectrometry

FDA Status
This test was developed and its analytical performance characteristics have been determined by Quest Diagnostics. It has not been cleared or approved by FDA. This assay has been validated pursuant to the CLIA regulations and is used for clinical purposes.

Setup Schedule
10: 00 a. M. Tues, sat


Report Available
1-4 days


Clinical Significance
Cocaine is metabolized mainly to benzoylecgonine and ecgonine methylester. Cocaethylene is an indication of concurrent cocaine and alcohol consumption. Serum half-life of cocaine is 1-5 hours. Benzoylecgonine appears in circulation 15-30 minutes after cocaine administration. Elimination half-life of benzoylecgonine is 5-6 hours. Benzoylecgonine will be detectable in urine after 2-3 hours and urine remains positive for 2-3 days (longer for chronic abusers) after cocaine use.


Performing Laboratory
Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute-Valencia
8407 Fallbrook Ave, Suite 100
West Hills, CA 91304-3226




The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.