Collection and Handling of Clinical Blood Samples to Assure the Accurate Measurement of Cocaine Concentration

Walter C. Brogan, Philip M. Kemp, Robert O. Bost, D. Brent Glamann, Richard A. Lange, L. David Hillis

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

35 Scopus citations

Abstract

The measurement of serum cocaine concentration is difficult because it is rapidly metabolized in vivo and in vitro9 Previous investigators have used sodium fluoride (0.5-3.0%) in an attempt to stabilize its concentration in samples of whole blood, but these concentrations of sodium fluoride are not readily available outside the analytical laboratory. This study was performed to assess the stability of cocaine in whole blood when stabilized in a commonly available concentration of sodium fluoride (0.25%), with or without concomitant refrigeration. Whole blood was enriched with cocaine to a final concentration of 900 ng/mL and added to flasks containing sodium fluoride (0, 09 0.5, and 19 or 0.25% sodium fluoride plus potassium oxalate (gray-top Vacutainer tubes), after which it was stored at 4°C or at room temperature9 Whole blood cocaine concentrations were measured at 0, 24, and 48 h by gas chromatography9Sodium fluoride at all concentrations, with or without refrigeration and potassium oxalate, effectively inhibited cocaine degradation, with 86-91% of the drug present after 48 h. In contrast, substantial degradation of cocaine occurred in the samples stored without sodium fluoride, regardless of temperature9Thus, the use of commercial gray-top Vacutainer tubes effectively stabilizes cocaine in blood during procurement, transport, and short-term storage.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)152-154
Number of pages3
JournalJournal of Analytical Toxicology
Volume16
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 1992
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Analytical Chemistry
  • Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis
  • Environmental Chemistry
  • Chemical Health and Safety
  • Toxicology

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