Skip to content

3ohbzeserplcfmmcnc

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 10, 2026

This test detects the presence of 3-hydroxybenzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine, in blood to confirm cocaine use.

Quick summary

{"This test identifies cocaine use by detecting its specific metabolite in blood","It is used for forensic, legal, or clinical monitoring purposes","A positive result indicates recent cocaine exposure","No special fasting or preparation is typically required","Results are often used in employment screening or legal investigations"}

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 10, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
50593-3
Short code
3-OH-Benzoylecgonine
Synonyms
3OH-BZE SerPl Cfm-mCnc
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Serum separator tube (SST) or plain red top tube
Units
N/A
Ref low
0
Ref high
8
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
≥ 18 years
Method
confirm
CPT
80307
SNOMED
371949004
Specimen volume
2-3 mL serum
Stability
Refrigerated (2-8°C): up to 7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): up to 30 days
Hemolysis max
50
Lipemia max
300
Icterus max
20
TAT
48–96 hours
Order
routine

What is this test?

This test measures the level of 3-hydroxybenzoylecgonine in your blood serum or plasma. 3-Hydroxybenzoylecgonine is a major metabolite produced when the body processes cocaine. The 'confirmatory method' refers to a more precise laboratory technique (typically mass spectrometry) that can definitively identify and quantify this specific substance, providing highly accurate results.

Why do I need this test?

Your healthcare provider may order this test for several reasons: (1) to confirm a previous screening result that was positive for cocaine, (2) as part of a routine drug monitoring program, (3) for employment or pre-employment drug testing, (4) in legal or forensic investigations, (5) to monitor individuals in substance abuse treatment programs, or (6) if you have symptoms suggesting cocaine intoxication or withdrawal.

What do the results mean?

A POSITIVE result means that 3-hydroxybenzoylecgonine was detected in your blood, indicating recent cocaine use (typically within 1-3 days, depending on usage patterns). A NEGATIVE result means no detectable levels of this metabolite were found, suggesting no recent cocaine use. Your healthcare provider will interpret your results in the context of your medical history and the reason for testing.

How is the test performed?

A blood sample will be drawn from a vein in your arm. The sample will be sent to a specialized laboratory where it undergoes confirmatory testing using advanced techniques like gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) or liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). These methods are highly specific and can accurately identify and measure the exact amount of cocaine metabolite present.

Are there any risks?

The risks associated with this test are minimal and include slight pain or bruising at the injection site, fainting, or very rarely, infection. These are common risks with any blood draw.

Reference range

Negative: < 8 ng/mL (cutoff value); Positive: >= 8 ng/mLN/A

Specimen: serum

No special preparation required. Patient should disclose all medications and substances recently consumed. Chain of custody procedures may apply for forensic testing.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Frequently asked questions

How long does cocaine stay in my blood?
3-Hydroxybenzoylecgonine can typically be detected in blood for 1-3 days after cocaine use, though this varies based on frequency of use, metabolism, and the amount consumed. Chronic users may have detectable levels for longer periods.
Do I need to fast before this test?
No special preparation is typically required for this blood test. You can eat and drink normally unless your healthcare provider instructs otherwise.
Can a positive result be caused by anything other than cocaine use?
The confirmatory method used in this test is highly specific for 3-hydroxybenzoylecgonine, which is uniquely produced when the body metabolizes cocaine. False positives from other substances are extremely rare with this testing method.
Will my employer or insurance company be notified of the results?
Test results are protected health information and cannot be shared without your explicit consent, except where required by law (such as in certain legal proceedings). Your employer or insurance company would only receive results if you explicitly authorize the release or if a valid legal request is made.
What happens if my test is positive?
If your test is positive, your healthcare provider will discuss the results with you and may recommend counseling, treatment referral, or follow-up care depending on the reason for testing. For legal or employment purposes, the results are typically reported as positive or negative without specific values.
  1. 1
    LOINC Code InformationSource
  2. 2
    Mayo Clinic Laboratories - Toxicology Test CatalogSource
  3. 3
    Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)Source

Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 10, 2026. · Read our editorial policy