THE ROUTINE ANALYSIS OF BREAST-MILK FOR DRUGS OF ABUSE IN A CLINICAL TOXICOLOGY LABORATORY

Drug screening of breast milk in a clinical toxicology laboratory is r eported. Findings from three cases include cocaine, ethylbenzoylecgoni ne (cocaethylene), ethanol, oxycodone, codeine, and nicotine. We belie ve this to be the first report of ethylbenzoylecgonine in human breast milk. One other specimen submitted for analysis was screened with neg ative results. Screening and confirmation procedures adapted for use w ith breast milk are described. Finally, the potential for cocaine into xication from mother to baby is discussed. Estimates of infant blood c ocaine concentration are given which may increase awareness of the nee d to monitor milk and blood cocaine concentrations in the infant when the situation warrants.