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A Protocol for Measuring Cue Reactivity in a Rat Model of Cocaine Use Disorder
Published on: June 18, 2018
Coca tea consumption causes positive urine cocaine assay
Suzan S Mazor1, Mark B Mycyk, Brandon K Wills
1Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital and Regional Medical Center, Seattle, Washington 98105, USA. suzan.mazor@seattlechildrens.org
Summary
Drinking coca tea can lead to a positive urine drug test for cocaine metabolites. This study found that coca tea consumption resulted in positive cocaine metabolite levels for all participants within 2 hours.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Toxicology
- Ethnobotany
Background:
- Coca tea, derived from the coca plant, is consumed in South America and available in the US.
- The coca plant is also the source for cocaine synthesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if coca tea consumption triggers a positive urine drug screen for cocaine metabolites.
- To establish the duration of positive cocaine metabolite detection after coca tea ingestion.
Main Methods:
- Five healthy volunteers consumed coca tea.
- Serial quantitative urine tests for cocaine metabolites were performed using fluorescence polarization immunoassay.
- The standard cutoff for a positive assay was 300 ng/ml.
Main Results:
- All participants tested positive for cocaine metabolites within 2 hours of consumption.
- Urine samples from three out of five participants remained positive for up to 36 hours.
- The mean urine benzoylecgonine concentration was 1777 ng/ml.
Conclusions:
- Ingesting coca tea leads to positive urine assays for cocaine metabolites.
- Healthcare professionals should inquire about coca tea consumption when interpreting toxicology results.
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