Skip to content

Cocaine Use Frequency During the Past 3 Months

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 17, 2026

A screening question that asks how often cocaine has been used during the past three months.

Quick summary

Your answer provides information about cocaine use frequency but does not diagnose a substance use disorder.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 17, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
95431-3
Short code
DURINGTHEPAST3MOHOWOFTENHAVEYOUUSEDCOCAINE
Synonyms
—
Category
liver
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Ref low
10
Ref high
40
Critical range
— – 500 N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
CPT
84484
SNOMED
302774002
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 is this test?

This is a substance use screening question, not a blood or urine laboratory test. It asks how often you have used cocaine during the past three months.

Why might I need this test?

Clinicians may use this information as part of an overall health, medication safety, or substance use assessment. It can help guide nonjudgmental follow-up questions and support if needed.

How is the test performed?

You answer the question by selecting the response that best describes your use during the past three months. Your answer is then reviewed along with your other health and screening information.

How do I prepare for the test?

No preparation is needed. Answer honestly based on your own use, and ask the clinician to clarify the question if you are unsure how to interpret the time period or answer choices.

Reference range

Adult: 10-40 U/LN/A

Specimen: serum

No special preparation required. Avoid fatty meals before the test if possible.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Reported cocaine use may prompt additional questions about safety, health effects, medications, and other substance use. A positive response does not by itself diagnose cocaine use disorder, and the frequency of use alone does not determine severity. If you are concerned about your use, confidential discussion with a clinician or qualified counselor can help.

Short name

Past-3-Month Cocaine Use

Frequently asked questions

Does this question mean I will have a cocaine drug test?
Not necessarily. It is a self-reported screening question. Any urine or blood testing used for confirmation would be a separate assessment.
What if I am not sure how often I used cocaine?
Give the best estimate you can and discuss the question with the clinician. The purpose is to understand your use, not to judge you.
Can my answer diagnose a substance use disorder?
No. A substance use disorder requires a broader clinical assessment that considers patterns of use, impaired control, consequences, and other factors.
  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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy