Cotinine
Back to Test Catalogue
Nicotine and Metabolite Quantitation, Random Urine
Test ID: NICOT
Test
Aliases/Synonyms
Method
LC-MS/MS
Report Includes
Nicotine; Cotinine
Specimens
Urine (Random)
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.
Test Location
Quest Diagnostics, California USA
Test Version
26-Jan-2023
Specimen
Specimens
Urine (Random)
Collection Containers
Sterile Container
Sample Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Collection & Handling
Handling Information
Store and send cold or frozen.
Stability
| Ambient | 72 hours |
|---|---|
| Refrigerated | 14 days |
| Frozen | 30 days |
Test Version
26-Jan-2023
Performance / Interpretation
Method
LC-MS/MS
Turnaround Time
8 days
Results
| Name | Units | Reference Range | Conversion Factor | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nicotine | ng/mL |
|
||
| Cotinine | ng/mL |
|
||
|
Individuals exposed to second-hand or passive tobacco smoke may demonstrate concentrations of nicotine and cotinine greater than those indicated for non-smokers. |
||||
Test Location
Quest Diagnostics, California USA
Test Version
26-Jan-2023
Interface / Setup
HL7 Interface Codes
| Order Code | Result Codes | Units |
|---|---|---|
| NICOT | 62799NICOTINE, URINE | ng/mL |
| 62800COTININE, URINE | ng/mL |
Test Version
26-Jan-2023