M S Burke1, D Roth. 1. Perinatal Resource Center, Swedish Medical Center, Englewood, CO.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To establish the prevalence of cocaine use in private obstetric patients during their prenatal care and at admission to delivery units. METHODS: Urine samples were collected anonymously during routine sampling from 1425 patients in six private hospitals and four private physicians' offices. RESULTS: Positive cocaine metabolites were identified in three of 555 urine specimens (0.54%) obtained from hospitals and in two of 870 (0.23%) obtained from private offices during prenatal examinations. The total positive urine cocaine results were five of 1425 (0.35%). CONCLUSIONS: Universal screening in a private obstetric population similar to that found in Denver would not be cost-effective. We urge health care providers to ask patients about substance abuse and to screen patients who are at high risk for substance use.
OBJECTIVE: To establish the prevalence of cocaine use in private obstetric patients during their prenatal care and at admission to delivery units. METHODS: Urine samples were collected anonymously during routine sampling from 1425 patients in six private hospitals and four private physicians' offices. RESULTS: Positive cocaine metabolites were identified in three of 555 urine specimens (0.54%) obtained from hospitals and in two of 870 (0.23%) obtained from private offices during prenatal examinations. The total positive urine cocaine results were five of 1425 (0.35%). CONCLUSIONS: Universal screening in a private obstetric population similar to that found in Denver would not be cost-effective. We urge health care providers to ask patients about substance abuse and to screen patients who are at high risk for substance use.