Cocaine Mass 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 screen for recent drug use.
["Detects recent cocaine exposure via urine collection for a full day’s worth of metabolites."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 8194-3
- Short code
- Cocaine Usub-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Cocaine Usub-mCnc
- 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
Doctors may order this test to assess recent cocaine use in patients suspected of substance abuse, during treatment evaluations, or as part of pre-employment or legal screenings. It helps track compliance with treatment plans or identify exposure to the drug.
How the Test Works
Your urine is collected in a sealed container over 24 hours. The sample is then analyzed using a specialized laboratory technique to detect cocaine and its metabolites, which remain in the body for several days after use.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed, but you may be asked to provide a fresh urine sample if a spot test is also performed. Avoiding certain medications or substances (like certain painkillers) that could interfere with results may be advised by your healthcare provider.
What the Results Mean
Positive results indicate recent cocaine use, while negative results suggest no detectable cocaine metabolites in your urine over the 24-hour period. Interpretation depends on clinical context, such as whether this is part of a screening or confirmatory test.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance
Short name
Urine Cocaine Mass Test
Frequently asked questions
This test is critical for identifying substance use disorders, guiding treatment decisions, and ensuring safety in high-risk settings. It provides objective evidence of exposure and helps monitor progress in recovery programs.
How long do cocaine metabolites stay in urine? Cocaine metabolites can remain detectable in urine for up to 3–5 days after last use, depending on individual metabolism. A 24-hour urine test captures this full window.
What if I have kidney issues? Kidney function may impact how quickly metabolites are cleared from your body. If you have kidney problems, your provider may adjust interpretation or recommend alternative tests.
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