Cocaine Metabolites (T535) [Back]
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| RISK ASSESSMENT VALUE: |
Cocaine is a central nervous system stimulant. It usually appears in the form of a fine crystal-like powder, although it can come in larger pieces called rocks which is the free-base form of the drug. It may be injected, snorted or smoked. The effects of the drug begin within minutes and peak within 15 to 20 minutes. These include dilated pupils, increase in blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate, and body temperature. The dangers associated with cocaine use vary depending on how the drug is taken, the dose, and the individual. Feelings of restlessness, irritability, anxiety, and sleeplessness are reported by some regular users. Even low doses of cocaine may create psychological problems. Use of high doses of cocaine over a prolonged period of time may lead to paranoia, commonly called cocaine psychosis, which includes hallucinations of touch, sight, taste and smell.
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| NORMAL RESULTS: |
Negative
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| ABNORMAL RESULTS: |
The original enzyme immunoassay has been confirmed by GC/MS. GC/MS confirmation is for one metabolite, benzoylecgonine. A confirmed positive result for benzoylecgonine means the urine concentration of that analyte is equal to or greater than the confirmation cutoff concentration (150 ng/mL). A cutoff is the concentration of analyte (drug) in a urine sample at or above which the sample is considered positive for that drug. The purpose of the cutoff is to insure consistency and reliability throughout the testing process. The screening cutoff is different than the confirmation cutoff because the screening test detects all forms of the drug whereas the confirmation test measures only one form (metabolite) of the drug in question. The screening cutoff for cocaine metabolites is 300 ng/mL. The confirmation cutoff for the metabolite benzoylecgonine is 150 ng/mL. The fluid concentration of the drug only indicates recent use, while individual values may indicate level of abuse if the time since last use is known.
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| ADDITIONAL TESTS: |
If the absorbance is greater than the positive cutoff control then test by GC/MS. Screening cut off is 300 ng/mL.
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| SAMPLE NEEDED: |
Random urine specimen, saliva from collection device, serum separated from a red stopper tube, or plasma from gray top tube. Urine and saliva specimens must be properly sealed and labeled.
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| SAMPLE STABILITY: |
All sample types are stable 10 days at room temperature, 2 weeks when refrigerated, indefinitely when frozen.
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| METHOD & INSTRUMENT: |
Enzyme immunoassay measured spectrophotometrically, Hitachi Modular. ELISA for saliva.
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| INTERFERING FACTORS: |
No compounds are known to interfere with the detection of benzoylecgonine by GC/MS.
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| PURPOSE: |
Urine and saliva metabolite positive indicate recent usage.
Blood cocaine levels may indicate toxicity.
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| PROFILE INCLUDES: |
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| RISK RANGE & UNITS: |
Negative
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