Analytical procedures for determination of cocaine and its metabolites in biological samples

The dangerous effects and increased usage of illicit drugs have inspired the development of analytical methodologies. We based our review of analytical procedures for determination of cocaine (COC) and its metabolites on literature from the past two decades. Our main aim was to compare the capabilities of different analytical techniques. The diversity of matrices from which COC is determined (e.g., blood, hair, saliva, plasma, urine, inner organs and meconium) has led to differences in sample preparation. To assess drug exposure, it is essential to select the sample type and the instrumental technique applied. We discuss appropriate sampling, extraction and purification techniques.