Nicotine and Metabolite Quantitation, Random Urine

Test Overview

Clinical Utility

This assay is used for the detection of nicotine and cotinine in urine to determine the tobacco exposure status of the individual. Nicotine has a short half-life of approximately forty minutes; its presence may indicate recent tobacco exposure. Cotinine, the major nicotine metabolite, has a half-life of 24 hours and is detectable for several days after cessation of tobacco exposure.

Method

Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)

Result Included

Nicotine; Cotinine

Aliases/Synonyms

Cotinine

Specimen

Specimen Type

Urine (Random)

Containers

Collection Containers

Sterile Container

Volume

Sample Volume

1 mL

Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Collection & Handling

Handling Information

Store and send cold or frozen.

Stability

Ambient	Refrigerated	Frozen
72 hours	14 days	30 days

Performance & Interpretation

Turnaround Time

8 days

Results

Nicotine

ng/mL

Smokers: 200 - 700
Non-smokers: ≤17
Cotinine

ng/mL

Smokers: 300 - 1300
Non-smokers: ≤20

Comment

Individuals exposed to second-hand or passive tobacco smoke may demonstrate concentrations of nicotine and cotinine greater than those indicated for non-smokers.

Referral Location

Out-of-Country

Interface & Setup

HL7 Interface Codes

Order Code	Result Name	Result Codes	Units
NICOT	NICOTINE, URINE	62799	ng/mL
	COTININE, URINE	62800	ng/mL

Test Version

Last Updated

2023-01-26