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Past-3-Month Use Screening for Cocaine, Crack Cocaine, and Methamphetamine

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

Screens for reported use of cocaine, crack cocaine, or methamphetamine at least once during the past 3 months.

Quick summary

["A positive response means these substances were reported as used at least once in the past 3 months."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
96858-6
Short code
Used cocaine/crack/meth once W past 3Mo
Synonyms
Used cocaine/crack/meth once W past 3Mo
Category
liver
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Ref low
10
Ref high
40
Critical range
20 N/A – 400 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 that asks whether you used cocaine, crack cocaine, or methamphetamine at least once in the past 3 months. It captures reported use rather than measuring a drug concentration.

Why might I need this test?

Clinicians may use this information to assess recent substance exposure, guide counseling, monitor treatment, or support safety planning. It may be part of a broader substance-use or mental-health assessment.

How is the test performed?

You are asked a direct question about your use of cocaine, crack cocaine, and methamphetamine during the previous 3 months. Your response is recorded as part of the screening assessment.

How do I prepare for the test?

No special preparation is needed. Answer each question as accurately as possible; the result depends on honest self-reporting and is not intended to be a substitute for a complete clinical evaluation.

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.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

Stimulant Use Screening

Frequently asked questions

Does a positive result mean I am dependent on these drugs?
No. This screen only documents reported use within the past 3 months; it cannot determine dependence, intoxication, or other health effects.
Does this screen detect every time I used these substances?
No. It is a single use-history question, not a detailed timeline and not a measurement of drug levels in blood or urine.
What should I do if the result is positive?
Discuss the result with your healthcare professional. They can help assess whether additional testing, counseling, or substance-use treatment would be appropriate.
  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