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Drug Screening

Nicotine (Cotinine)

A nicotine/cotinine urine test is a qualitative screening that detects the presence of cotinine, the primary metabolite of nicotine, in urine. Cotinine is a reliable biomarker for tobacco and nicotine product use.

Doctor's Assessment Included

What It Measures

This test primarily detects cotinine, the major metabolite of nicotine. Nicotine itself has a short half-life of approximately 1 to 2 hours, while cotinine persists for significantly longer, making it the preferred target for urine screening. The test provides a qualitative result indicating whether cotinine is present above the assay cut-off level.

Cotinine levels reflect nicotine exposure from all sources, including cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, nicotine replacement therapy, and environmental tobacco smoke.

Why It Matters

Cotinine testing provides objective evidence of nicotine exposure and is used in various clinical, insurance, and employment contexts. It can verify tobacco cessation in smoking cessation programmes and support health insurance assessments.

The test detects nicotine from any source, so interpretation should consider nicotine replacement therapy, electronic cigarettes, and other nicotine-containing products in addition to traditional tobacco use.

When to Test

Testing may be relevant for smoking cessation programme verification, insurance underwriting, pre-surgical assessments, workplace wellness programmes, or when tobacco use status needs to be objectively determined.

Consult a healthcare professional for guidance on when nicotine/cotinine testing is appropriate and how to interpret results in the relevant context.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can cotinine be detected in urine?
Cotinine is generally detectable in urine for approximately 3 to 4 days after the last nicotine exposure. The detection window may vary based on the amount and frequency of nicotine use, as well as individual metabolic factors.
Can nicotine replacement therapy cause a positive result?
Yes, nicotine replacement products such as patches, gum, and lozenges will produce a positive cotinine result, as they deliver nicotine that is metabolised to cotinine. It is important to disclose the use of these products when interpreting test results.
What should I expect from a nicotine/cotinine urine test?
The test involves providing a urine sample, which is analysed for the presence of cotinine. Results are qualitative, indicating whether cotinine is detected above the assay threshold. The test does not distinguish between different sources of nicotine exposure.

Tests with related values

These panels measure values from the same category as this marker.

Nicotine (Cotinine)

€81,-