Benzoylecgonine, Confirmation
CPT Code(s):
80353
Turnaround Time:
24 - 72 hours
Specimen Requirements
Preferred Specimen:
Urine
Minimum Volume:
5.0 mL
Transport Container:
Yellow Top Tube or Sterile Cup
Transport Temperature:
Room Temperature
Collection Instructions:
Collect urine in plastic container and transfer to plain yellow top tube (without preservative).
Rejection Criteria:
Specimen received outside stability requirements; Excessive blood, particulates, viscosity present. Preservative (speckled top) tube.
Stability Criteria
Room Temperature:
24 hours
Refrigerated:
7 days
Frozen:
30 days
Clinical Significance
Benzoylecgonine with quantitative results using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS-MS) holds specific clinical significance and diagnostic use in the field of toxicology and drug testing. This test is designed to detect and quantify the presence of benzoylecgonine, a major metabolite of cocaine, in a patient's urine or other body fluids.
The clinical significance and diagnostic use of Benzoylecgonine with LC/MS-MS include:
1. Drug Abuse Screening: The test is primarily used for screening and confirming the use of cocaine. Cocaine is a powerful stimulant drug that can be misused or abused, leading to addiction and various health consequences. Benzoylecgonine with LC/MS-MS provides highly accurate and specific results, enabling the detection and quantification of benzoylecgonine to confirm recent cocaine use.
2. Confirmation of Cocaine Use: The quantitative results obtained from Benzoylecgonine using LC/MS-MS provide detailed information about the level of benzoylecgonine in a patient's system. This confirmation of cocaine use can be valuable in clinical settings, forensic investigations, and legal proceedings where accurate information about drug exposure is essential.
3. Monitoring Treatment and Recovery: For individuals undergoing treatment for cocaine addiction, Benzoylecgonine with LC/MS-MS can be used to monitor treatment response and recovery. Regular quantitative measurements of benzoylecgonine levels over time help healthcare providers assess the effectiveness of interventions, track progress, and guide decisions regarding the duration of treatment.
4. Workplace and Legal Drug Testing: Benzoylecgonine with LC/MS-MS is commonly employed in workplace and legal drug testing programs. These tests are conducted to ensure a drug-free environment, evaluate compliance with drug rehabilitation programs, or provide evidence in legal proceedings. The quantitative results obtained from this test offer accurate information about the presence and amount of benzoylecgonine, aiding in objective decision-making.
5. Forensic and Postmortem Investigations: Benzoylecgonine with LC/MS-MS has forensic applications in the investigation of drug-related crimes and postmortem examinations. By quantifying benzoylecgonine levels in urine or other body fluids, this test helps provide objective evidence of cocaine exposure, assisting in the determination of cause of death or aiding in legal investigations.
In summary, Benzoylecgonine with quantitative results using LC/MS-MS has specific clinical significance in toxicology and drug testing. It aids in drug abuse screening, confirms cocaine use, monitors treatment and recovery, supports workplace and legal drug testing, and contributes to forensic and postmortem investigations. By detecting and quantifying benzoylecgonine, this test provides accurate information about cocaine exposure, assisting healthcare providers, employers, legal professionals, and forensic experts in making informed decisions and ensuring safety and accountability.