Cocaine metabolite screening (urine)
This test detects the presence of cocaine metabolites in your urine, which can help identify recent cocaine use.
["This test helps determine if cocaine was recently used in your system."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 19362-3
- Short code
- Cocaine CtO Ur Scn-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Cocaine CtO Ur Scn-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine container
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- screen
- 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 Is This Test Done?
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms suggestive of cocaine use, such as anxiety, rapid heartbeat, or trouble sleeping. It may also be used in workplace drug testing, legal proceedings, or as part of a substance use evaluation. Cocaine breaks down into metabolites that remain detectable in urine for several days after use.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You’ll provide a urine sample in a private area, similar to a routine urine test. Wear comfortable clothing and plan to spend about 10 minutes for the procedure.
What Happens During the Test?
A healthcare professional will collect your urine sample in a sterile container. The sample is then sent to a lab for analysis using a sensitive detection method to measure cocaine metabolites.
What Are the Possible Results?
A positive result means cocaine metabolites were found, indicating recent use. A negative result suggests no detectable metabolites were present. False positives can occur if you’ve taken certain medications or have exposed yourself to secondhand smoke containing cocaine. Follow-up testing may be recommended for unclear results.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
This test is crucial for identifying substance use disorders, guiding treatment decisions, and ensuring workplace safety. It can also support legal or insurance-related evaluations. While it provides a snapshot of recent use, it does not measure the amount of cocaine consumed or the duration of use. Results should be interpreted by a healthcare provider in the context of your overall health and symptoms.
Short name
Urine Cocaine Metabolite Test
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get results?
What does a positive result mean?
Can false positives occur?
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