Skip to content

Cocaine concentration in urine (qualitative screening)

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

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

Quick summary

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

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
19360-7
Short code
Cocaine Ur Ql Cfm
Synonyms
Cocaine Ur Ql Cfm
Category
chemistry
Sample
urine
Container
Sterile urine container
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Method
confirm
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

How the Test Works

Your urine sample is tested using an immunoassay method to identify cocaine metabolites (such as benzoylecgonine). This method detects even small amounts of the drug in your system.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is needed. You may urinate into a clean container at your healthcare provider’s office or a lab.

Possible Results and Interpretation

A positive result means cocaine metabolites were detected, suggesting recent use. A negative result means no detectable metabolites were found. False positives can occur with certain medications or other substances.

When This Test Might Be Ordered

Doctors may order this test for drug screening, pre-employment checks, legal reasons, or to monitor substance use in certain settings.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

Urine Cocaine Screen (qualitative)

Frequently asked questions

Why might I get this test?
Your doctor may recommend this test if they suspect recent cocaine use, for employment screening, legal reasons, or as part of a substance use assessment.
What does a positive result mean?
A positive result indicates the presence of cocaine metabolites in your urine, suggesting recent use. It does not confirm the exact amount or duration of use.
Can false positives happen?
Yes, false positives can occur due to certain medications, other drugs, or environmental exposure. Confirmatory testing may be needed for further evaluation.
  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