HON Code Lab Tests Online US English UK English Polish Italian Hungarian Greek Spanish German Czech Australian English


   
in the news

understanding
your tests

inside the lab

about this site

site map

send us your
comments


home
 


Nicotine / Cotinine

Formal name: Nicotine or Cotinine
Common Questions
  1. Are there any forms of tobacco that do not contain nicotine?
2. Can I be required to be tested for tobacco use?
3. Where can I find information about quitting smoking?
4. What kinds of nicotine replacement products are available?


1. Are there any forms of tobacco that do not contain nicotine? No, they all contain nicotine. This includes pipe tobacco, cigars, snuff, chewing tobacco, etc. If you use any of these, nicotine may be detected in your system.



2. Can I be required to be tested for tobacco use? Since tobacco use is legal for adults, this would generally only apply to people who are court-ordered to be tested, such as for child-custody reasons. However, since smokers tend to have higher health costs and are at an increased risk for developing a variety of diseases, some health and life insurance companies may require their applicants to be tested for tobacco use prior to accepting them as clients.



3. Where can I find information about quitting smoking? There are many national organization and government resources available. See the links for more information.



4. What kinds of nicotine replacement products are available? There are a variety of over-the-counter (OTC) products and a few that are available by prescription. OTC products include nicotine gum, patches, and lozenges. Those available by prescription include nicotine patches, inhalers, and nasal sprays. It is important to follow directions for their use and to keep them away from children. The products are intended to be used in conjunction with a smoking cessation program. Talk to your doctor about the best options for you.






This article was last reviewed on December 1, 2007.
 
In the NewsUnderstanding Your TestsInside the Lab
About the SiteSite MapSend Us Your CommentsHome


We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health
information:
verify here.


©2001-2008 American Association for Clinical Chemistry
Email concerns to

Terms of UsePrivacy