Test Code COKEM Cocaine and Metabolites Confirmation, Meconium
Reporting Name
Cocaine and Metabolites, Confirm, MUseful For
Detecting in utero drug exposure up to 5 months before birth
Performing Laboratory

Specimen Type
MeconiumOrdering Guidance
For chain-of-custody testing, order COKMX / Cocaine and Metabolite Confirmation, Chain of Custody, Meconium.
Specimen Required
Supplies: Stool container, Small (Random), 4 oz (T288)
Container/Tube: Stool container
Specimen Volume: 1 g (approximately 1 teaspoon)
Collection Instructions: Collect entire random meconium specimen.
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.3 g (approximately 1/4 teaspoon)
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
---|---|---|
Meconium | Frozen (preferred) | 21 days |
Refrigerated | 21 days | |
Ambient | 72 hours |
Reference Values
Negative
Positives are reported with a quantitative liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) result.
Cutoff concentrations for LC-MS/MS testing:
Cocaine: 20 ng/g
Benzoylecgonine: 20 ng/g
Cocaethylene: 20 ng/g
m-Hydroxybenzoylecgonine: 20 ng/g
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Sunday
Test Classification
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.CPT Code Information
80353
G0480 (if appropriate)
LOINC Code Information
Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
COKEM | Cocaine and Metabolites, Confirm, M | 69008-1 |
Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
31859 | Cocaine | 69009-9 |
31860 | Benzoylecgonine | 69010-7 |
31861 | Cocaethylene | 69011-5 |
31862 | m-Hydroxybenzoylecgonine | 69012-3 |
31864 | Interpretation | 69050-3 |
31865 | Chain of Custody | 77202-0 |
Interpretation
The presence of any of the following: cocaine, benzoylecgonine, cocaethylene, or m-hydroxybenzoylecgonine, at 20 ng/g or more, is indicative of in utero drug exposure up to 5 months before birth.
Clinical Reference
1. Isenschmid DS: Cocaine. In: Levine B, ed. Principles of Forensic Toxicology. 2nd ed. AACC Press; 2003:207-228
2. US Drug Enforcement Administration: Cocaine. DEA; 2020. Accessed February 7, 2023. Available at www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2020-06/Cocaine-2020.pdf
3. National Institute on Drug Abuse: Cocaine DrugFacts. NIDA; 2021. Accessed February 7, 2023. Available at www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/cocaine
4. Isenschmid DS: Cocaine-effects on human performance and behavior. Forsensic Sci Rev. 2002 Feb;14(1-2):61-100
5. Kolbrich EA, Barnes AJ, Gorelick DA, Boyd SJ, Cone EJ, Huestis MA: Major and minor metabolites of cocaine in human plasma following controlled subcutaneous cocaine administration. J Anal Toxicol. 2006 Oct;30(8):501-510
6. Kwong TC, Ryan RM: Detection of intrauterine illicit drug exposure by newborn drug testing. National Academy of Clinical Biochemistry. Clin Chem. 1997 Jan;43:235-242
7. Ostrea EM Jr, Brady MJ, Parks PM, Asensio DC, Naluz A: Drug screening of meconium in infants of drug-dependent mothers; an alternative to urine testing. J Pediatr. 1989 Sept;115(3):474-477
8. Ahanya SN, Lakshmanan J, Morgan BL, Ross MG: Meconium passage in utero: mechanisms, consequences, and management. Obstet Gynecol Surv. 2005 Jan;60(1):45-56
Report Available
2 to 3 daysMethod Name
Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Therapeutics Test Request (T831) with the specimen.