Method for extraction of tricyclic antidepressants from whole blood using ISOLUTE HCX columns and RapidTrace

Cocaine is absorbed and metabolized extremely efficiently and rapidly through the liver which makes it difficult to detect in drugs of abuse testing. When screening for the presence of cocaine in urine it is more appropriate to test for the presence of the major metabolite of cocaine; benzoylecgonine. Analysis of urine for the presence of benzoylecgonine gives a better indication of cocaine use than just looking for the main analyte; it allows a profile of use to be constructed and can be used to determine how long ago from the time of testing the cocaine was administered.