Ethanol and Cocaethylene Mass Concentration in Urine (24-hour collection)
This test measures the total amount of alcohol (ethanol) and a related substance (cocaethylene) in your urine over a 24-hour period. It helps assess alcohol exposure and potential mixing of alcohol with other substances.
["This test helps track alcohol use and possible drug interactions that may affect your health."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 19408-4
- Short code
- Cocaethylene Ur-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Cocaethylene Ur-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine container
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Specimen volume
- 10 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 2h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Is Done
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have concerns about heavy alcohol use, suspected drug-alcohol interactions, or if you’re part of a monitoring program (e.g., for substance use treatment). It can also be used in cases where alcohol levels in blood or breath tests are unclear or inconsistent with symptoms.
What to Expect Before the Test
You’ll collect a 24-hour urine sample starting from midnight one day and ending midnight the next. Follow your provider’s instructions carefully to ensure accurate results. Avoid certain medications or substances that could interfere with the test.
What the Results Mean
Results show the combined amount of ethanol and cocaethylene in your urine. High levels may indicate heavy alcohol use, possible mixing with cocaine or other stimulants, or other health risks. Your provider will interpret results in the context of your medical history and symptoms.
Common Causes of Abnormal Results
Elevated levels may be due to heavy alcohol consumption, mixing alcohol with cocaine or other stimulants, or certain medical conditions. False positives can occur if you’ve consumed certain medications or foods. Always discuss results with your provider.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
This test is particularly useful for detecting alcohol exposure in cases where blood or breath tests are unreliable (e.g., in chronic alcohol users, overdose scenarios, or postmortem evaluations). Cocaethylene, a metabolite formed when alcohol and cocaine interact, can indicate dangerous mixing and may require immediate medical attention.
Short name
24-Hour Urine Ethanol & Cocaethylene Mass
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get my results?
Can I drink alcohol before this test?
What if I miss a day of urine collection?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
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.
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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy