What is the federal cutoff level for benzoylecgonine in urine testing?

The federal cutoff level for benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine, in urine testing is indeed set at 150 ng/mL. This threshold is established by regulations that govern workplace drug testing under the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) guidelines. The purpose of the cutoff level is to distinguish between positive and negative test results, accounting for the possibility of unusual metabolism and detection of trace amounts that may not indicate impairment or active use. A level of 150 ng/mL serves to minimize false positives while ensuring that significant use of cocaine can be reliably detected. Understanding this cutoff is crucial for both compliance and accurate interpretation of test results in various contexts, such as employment or legal situations.