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Cocaine concentration in urine (qualitative screening)

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This test detects the presence of cocaine or its metabolites in your urine, often used to screen for recent drug use.

Quick summary

["A simple urine test to check for cocaine exposure."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
40625-6
Short code
Cocaine Spec Ql
Synonyms
Cocaine Spec Ql
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Specimen volume
5 mL
Stability
Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
Hemolysis max
500
Lipemia max
1000
Icterus max
500
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

What This Test Measures

The test screens for cocaine and its primary metabolite, benzoylecgonine, which can appear in urine for several days after exposure. It does not distinguish between recent use or past exposure—only whether these substances were present at the time of testing.

Why You Might Need This Test

Doctors may order this test to evaluate recent drug use, assess compliance with treatment plans, or screen for substance use in medical, legal, or workplace settings.

How the Test Works

The test uses a qualitative immunoassay method to detect cocaine metabolites in urine. Results are typically reported as positive or negative, not with specific numeric values.

Test Preparation

No special preparation is needed, but you may be asked to provide a fresh urine sample. Avoiding alcohol or certain medications before testing can sometimes affect results, though this test is generally not affected by common over-the-counter drugs.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Clinical Significance

Short name

Urine Cocaine Screen (qualitative)

Frequently asked questions

This test is useful for identifying recent cocaine use but cannot provide information about long-term patterns or dependence. A positive result suggests exposure, but it does not confirm the amount or timing of use.
A positive result may lead to further testing (e.g., a quantitative urine drug screen) to confirm and quantify exposure, especially in medical or legal contexts.
A negative result means no detectable cocaine metabolites were found in the sample at the time of testing.
This test is not diagnostic for addiction or withdrawal symptoms but may be part of a broader evaluation if substance use concerns are raised.
How long does it take to get results?
Results are usually available within 1–2 business days, depending on lab processing times. Follow-up instructions from your healthcare provider will guide next steps.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy