Cocaine concentration in urine (24-hour collection)
This test measures the amount of cocaine present in your urine over a 24-hour period, often used to detect recent drug use.
["Detects recent cocaine exposure via urine sample over a full day’s timeline."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 57898-9
- Short code
- Cocaine Spec-sCnc
- Synonyms
- Cocaine Spec-sCnc
- 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
Why This Test Is Done
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms of cocaine use, such as anxiety, rapid heartbeat, or trouble sleeping. It can also be used in workplace drug testing, legal cases, or before certain surgeries to ensure you haven’t used drugs recently.
What to Expect Before the Test
You’ll need to collect all urine produced in a 24-hour period in a special container. Some labs may provide instructions on timing or specific containers to use. Avoid drinking excessive fluids that day, as this could dilute the sample.
What Happens During the Test
After collecting the urine, it’s sent to a lab where it’s analyzed for cocaine metabolites. The test typically uses a sensitive immunoassay method to detect traces of the drug.
What the Results Mean
A positive result indicates the presence of cocaine metabolites in your urine, suggesting recent use. A negative result means no detectable cocaine was found. Results alone don’t confirm the exact amount or timing of use.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
24-Hour Urine Cocaine Screen
Frequently asked questions
How long cocaine stays in urine varies by individual, but metabolites can remain detectable for days to weeks after use. This test helps assess recent exposure, monitor treatment progress, or screen for substance use in certain settings.
A positive result means your urine contained detectable amounts of cocaine metabolites, which could indicate recent use. However, false positives can occur with certain medications or other substances. Your provider will discuss next steps based on your full medical history.
Alcohol itself won’t affect the test, but excessive fluid intake may dilute your urine and potentially alter results. Follow your lab’s specific instructions for timing and hydration.
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