Cocaine and Metabolite Confirmation, Chain of Custody, Meconium
Use
The test is useful for detecting in utero drug exposure to cocaine and its metabolites up to 5 months before birth. The inclusion of a chain of custody requirement ensures that the specimen is managed under controlled conditions to prevent tampering, which is critical for legal proceedings that may result from the test results, especially in cases where evidence of illicit drug use during pregnancy could lead to legal actions such as separating the baby from the mother.
Special Instructions
Chain of custody is mandatory; ensure the seal on the specimen container is not broken upon arrival. The Chain of Custody Meconium Kit (T653) should be used, which includes necessary containers and documentation. Specimens should be sent overnight to maintain integrity. The test has specific requirements for legal admissibility and should be used in contexts where chain of custody regulations are necessary.
Limitations
Specimen arriving with a broken seal does not meet chain of custody requirements and may not be accepted. It is important to note that grossly bloody specimens are rejected, though pink discoloration is acceptable. There are no significant cautionary notes related to assay interference identified in the provided content.
New York Approved
Methodology
Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 69008-1
- 69009-9
- 69010-7
- 69011-5
- 69012-3
- 69050-3
- 77202-0
Result Turnaround Time
2-3 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Other
Volume
1 g
Minimum Volume
0.3 g
Container
Chain of Custody Meconium Kit (T653)
Collection Instructions
Collect entire random meconium specimen. Seal specimen securely to meet chain of custody regulations. Use the Chain of Custody Meconium Kit (T653) provided.
Causes for Rejection
Grossly bloody specimens rejected, pink acceptable. Also reject stool and diapers.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 72 hours |
| Refrigerated | 21 days |
| Frozen | 21 days |