How Is Cocaine Testing Performed?

Employers use drug tests to detect cocaine use routinely. Some jobs and profession require people applying to submit to cocaine testing. The order for the testing will be made once an applicant has received the job but before the individual begins work. If they fail the test, the employer can withdraw their offer to provide employment. Failure to pass a cocaine drug test could me it is time for a cocaine addiction treatment center.

Testing Methods for Cocaine Use

Experts use several methods to detect cocaine. The tests detect benzoylecgonine, which is a marker for cocaine.

Urine Testing

An inexpensive test for cocaine is done via a urine sample. This test can detect cocaine use within the past seven days, as well as long-term use of the drug. Positive triggers for the test are 300 ng/ml. If someone tests positive for cocaine, they may take another test to confirm. However, the new positive level is 150 ng/ml the second time they take the test. Multiple stories about persons beating cocaine tests are provided on the internet. These methods include, such as attempting to switch urine samples with another person or drinking large amounts of water before the test. None of the methods is foolproof.

Saliva Testing

Many employers use a saliva test for drug screening. Cocaine testing via the saliva sample can detect very recent drug use and give results much quicker than a urine test. Professionals consider this test more accurate than others because it will determine whether an individual has snorted, smoked or swallowed an illegal substance up to 72 hours previously. The downside to saliva testing is that the 72-hour window of consumption is all that the test will detect.

Hair Testing

A small sample of hair close to the scalp is taken to determine cocaine use. The standard hair follicle screening covers about 90 days prior, but the information is dependent upon hair growth. You can collect hair from several body areas if no hair is found on the head. Most considered hair testing more accurate than urine testing to determine low but steady drug use over extended periods. Drugs get into hair via metabolites that the human body processes. As the drugs and metabolites circulate through the system, they enter the hair follicles.

Blood Testing

Blood tests are the most invasive method of cocaine testing. They perform blood tests in a medical laboratory. Small amounts of cocaine may appear via blood sample for 48 hours after use. Although many users attempt to thwart these drug tests, they are often effective. People who habitually use cocaine tend to become addicted. Cocaine use can be the reason for many negative consequences in a person’s life, job loss being just one example. If this is your situation, you may be paying too high a price to use cocaine. Treatment to get clean and start a sober, productive lifestyle is readily available. Acqua Recovery Center has cutting-edge programs to intervene and treat cocaine addiction. Addiction research has confirmed the co-occurring mental health disorders that often underlie addictive behaviors. Recovery coaches and Psychotherapists are available to evaluate and counsel those needing treatment for cocaine addiction. We perform medicated detox under the care of a physician. Don’t wait to renew your future. Call [Direct] today to learn more about treatment options.


eBook_Inset4How to Get Addiction Treatment & Keep Your Job

The reality is, addiction does not discriminate. Some of the world’s most successful people have struggled with addiction along the way, or continue to do so. It’s a vicious cycle: Work stress can trigger the urge to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol; at the same time, drug and alcohol abuse cause more problems for you at work. You may fear losing your job if you take time off to get help; but if you don’t get help soon, you could lose your job.

Visit Our Cocaine Addiction Rehab for Help!

Don’t let an addiction ruin your life. Acqua Recovery in Utah can help treat cocaine and other substance use problems at our inpatient rehab for addiction. We offer various levels of care to support your recovery every step of the way!

Call our team today for personalized recommendations for treatment! Our compassionate admissions team will answer any of your questions and set you on the right path for your recovery.

How Is Cocaine Testing Performed?

Dr. Daniel Pickrell

Dr. Daniel Pickrell
Medical Reviewer

Dr. Pickrell is a board-certified psychiatrist with interests in addiction and psychiatry. He strives to identify the underlying cause of substance use. His understanding of addiction as the overlapping symptoms of biopsychosocial development is the foundation to his care model. He is committed to helping both patients and families understand that addiction is a treatable medical illness. He has been involved in the treatment of addiction for the last 17 years and completed his residency training at the University of Utah.

Employers use drug tests to detect cocaine use routinely. Some jobs and profession require people applying to submit to cocaine testing. The order for the testing will be made once an applicant has received the job but before the individual begins work. If they fail the test, the employer can withdraw their offer to provide employment. Failure to pass a cocaine drug test could me it is time for a cocaine addiction treatment center.

Testing Methods for Cocaine Use

Experts use several methods to detect cocaine. The tests detect benzoylecgonine, which is a marker for cocaine.

Urine Testing

An inexpensive test for cocaine is done via a urine sample. This test can detect cocaine use within the past seven days, as well as long-term use of the drug. Positive triggers for the test are 300 ng/ml. If someone tests positive for cocaine, they may take another test to confirm. However, the new positive level is 150 ng/ml the second time they take the test. Multiple stories about persons beating cocaine tests are provided on the internet. These methods include, such as attempting to switch urine samples with another person or drinking large amounts of water before the test. None of the methods is foolproof.

Saliva Testing

Many employers use a saliva test for drug screening. Cocaine testing via the saliva sample can detect very recent drug use and give results much quicker than a urine test. Professionals consider this test more accurate than others because it will determine whether an individual has snorted, smoked or swallowed an illegal substance up to 72 hours previously. The downside to saliva testing is that the 72-hour window of consumption is all that the test will detect.

Hair Testing

A small sample of hair close to the scalp is taken to determine cocaine use. The standard hair follicle screening covers about 90 days prior, but the information is dependent upon hair growth. You can collect hair from several body areas if no hair is found on the head. Most considered hair testing more accurate than urine testing to determine low but steady drug use over extended periods. Drugs get into hair via metabolites that the human body processes. As the drugs and metabolites circulate through the system, they enter the hair follicles.

Blood Testing

Blood tests are the most invasive method of cocaine testing. They perform blood tests in a medical laboratory. Small amounts of cocaine may appear via blood sample for 48 hours after use. Although many users attempt to thwart these drug tests, they are often effective. People who habitually use cocaine tend to become addicted. Cocaine use can be the reason for many negative consequences in a person's life, job loss being just one example. If this is your situation, you may be paying too high a price to use cocaine. Treatment to get clean and start a sober, productive lifestyle is readily available. Acqua Recovery Center has cutting-edge programs to intervene and treat cocaine addiction. Addiction research has confirmed the co-occurring mental health disorders that often underlie addictive behaviors. Recovery coaches and Psychotherapists are available to evaluate and counsel those needing treatment for cocaine addiction. We perform medicated detox under the care of a physician. Don't wait to renew your future. Call [Direct] today to learn more about treatment options.


eBook_Inset4How to Get Addiction Treatment & Keep Your Job

The reality is, addiction does not discriminate. Some of the world’s most successful people have struggled with addiction along the way, or continue to do so. It’s a vicious cycle: Work stress can trigger the urge to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol; at the same time, drug and alcohol abuse cause more problems for you at work. You may fear losing your job if you take time off to get help; but if you don’t get help soon, you could lose your job.

Visit Our Cocaine Addiction Rehab for Help!

Don't let an addiction ruin your life. Acqua Recovery in Utah can help treat cocaine and other substance use problems at our inpatient rehab for addiction. We offer various levels of care to support your recovery every step of the way!

Call our team today for personalized recommendations for treatment! Our compassionate admissions team will answer any of your questions and set you on the right path for your recovery.

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