Ph. Dickson et al., THE ROUTINE ANALYSIS OF BREAST-MILK FOR DRUGS OF ABUSE IN A CLINICAL TOXICOLOGY LABORATORY, Journal of forensic sciences, 39(1), 1994, pp. 207-214
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.