NCJ Number
146657
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 39 Issue: 1 Dated: (January 1994) Pages: 207-214
Date Published
1994
Length
8 pages
Annotation
Drug screening of breast milk in a clinical toxicology laboratory is reported; findings are presented from three cases that involved cocaine, ethylbenzoylecgonine (cocaethylene), ethanol, oxycodone, codeine, and nicotine.
Abstract
Screening procedures involved the enzyme multiplied immunoassay technique (EMIT), with confirmation by liquid/liquid extraction via gas chromatography-flame ionization detection and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis. A minimum of 10 mL of each breast milk specimen was collected in a polypropylene tube for transport and storage in the laboratory. In EMIT screening, unknown milk samples were processed with drug-spiked human milk and negative milk controls. Analysis was performed for cocaine metabolites, barbiturates, opiates, THC metabolites, benzodiazepines, methadone, methaqualone, phencyclidine, and propoxyphene. The authors believe the study findings represent the first report of ethylbenzoylecgonine in human breast milk. Screening and confirmation procedures adapted for use with breast milk are described. The potential for cocaine intoxication from mother to baby is discussed. Estimates of infant blood cocaine concentration are given to increase awareness of the need to monitor milk and blood cocaine concentrations in infants when the situation warrants. 18 references, 2 tables, and 1 figure