Cocaine Substance Concentration in Plasma (24-Hour Urine Screen)
This test detects the presence of cocaine or its metabolites in your urine over a 24-hour period, often used to screen for recent drug use.
["A urine test for cocaine to check for recent use—helpful for monitoring substance exposure or legal/employment screening."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 8196-8
- Short code
- Cocaine Usub Ql Cfm
- Synonyms
- Cocaine Usub Ql Cfm
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- confirm
- 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 doctor may order this test if you have symptoms of cocaine use (e.g., rapid heartbeat, anxiety, or trouble sleeping) or if you’re being evaluated for substance use, workplace compliance, or legal reasons. It can also help monitor treatment progress in recovery programs.
How the Test Works
Your urine is collected and tested for metabolites of cocaine, such as benzoylecgonine, which appear in the body shortly after use. The test uses a sensitive chemical method to identify these substances.
Sample Collection
You’ll provide a single urine sample, often collected in a sterile container. Some facilities may require a timed sample (e.g., 24-hour collection), but this specific test typically uses a single urine sample for screening.
What to Expect
The process is quick and painless. You’ll likely be asked to urinate into a container, and the sample is then sent to a lab for analysis. Results are usually available within a few days.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance
Short name
Cocaine Urine Drug Screen (24h)
Frequently asked questions
A positive result indicates recent cocaine use, but it doesn’t confirm intent or duration. False positives can occur with certain medications or other substances. Negative results mean no detectable metabolites were found in your sample.
If you’re concerned about false positives, ask your doctor about follow-up tests (e.g., plasma or hair follicle screens) for confirmation.
Yes, this test is confidential and used only for medical, legal, or employment purposes. Your provider will explain how results will be shared.
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