Cocaine Metabolite, Screen
CPT Code(s):
80307
Turnaround Time:
8 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:
5 days
Refrigerated:
7 days
Frozen:
30 days
Clinical Significance
Cocaine Metabolite Screen using immunoassay holds specific clinical significance and diagnostic use in the field of toxicology and substance abuse detection. This test is designed to detect the presence of cocaine metabolites in a patient's urine sample.
The clinical significance and diagnostic use of Cocaine Metabolite Screen include:
1. Substance Abuse Detection: Cocaine Metabolite Screen is primarily used to detect recent cocaine use and assess for cocaine abuse or addiction. Cocaine is a potent stimulant drug that is commonly abused. By detecting the presence of cocaine metabolites in urine, this test provides valuable information about recent drug use, aiding in the diagnosis and monitoring of substance abuse disorders.
2. Forensic and Legal Applications: Cocaine Metabolite Screen has important forensic and legal applications. It is commonly used in workplace drug testing programs, probation monitoring, and legal investigations to identify individuals who may be using cocaine. The test provides objective evidence of recent cocaine use and supports decision-making in various legal and occupational contexts.
3. Treatment Monitoring: Cocaine Metabolite Screen is useful in monitoring individuals undergoing treatment for cocaine addiction. Regular testing helps healthcare providers and addiction specialists assess treatment adherence, identify potential relapses or continued drug use, and guide treatment adjustments or interventions as needed. Monitoring cocaine metabolite levels in urine can provide objective data on an individual's progress in recovery.
4. Drug-Free Program Compliance: Cocaine Metabolite Screen is employed in drug-free programs, such as those for athletes, students, or individuals in safety-sensitive occupations. By screening for cocaine metabolites, it ensures compliance with drug-free policies and helps maintain a drug-free environment.
5. Supportive Counseling and Intervention: Cocaine Metabolite Screen plays a vital role in supportive counseling and intervention for individuals with cocaine abuse issues. The test results serve as a catalyst for open discussions about drug use, enabling healthcare providers to provide appropriate counseling, education, and referral to specialized addiction treatment programs.
It is important to note that Cocaine Metabolite Screen using immunoassay is a preliminary screening tool and may produce false-positive or false-negative results. Positive results should be confirmed with more specific and sensitive confirmatory tests, such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) or liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), for definitive diagnosis and legal purposes.
In summary, Cocaine Metabolite Screen using immunoassay has specific clinical significance in the detection of recent cocaine use, assessment of substance abuse disorders, forensic and legal applications, treatment monitoring, drug-free program compliance, and supportive counseling and intervention. By detecting the presence of cocaine metabolites in urine, this test provides valuable information for clinical decision-making, enabling healthcare providers to diagnose and manage cocaine abuse and support individuals in achieving recovery and maintaining a drug-free lifestyle.