Nicotine / Cotinine
Formal name: Nicotine; Cotinine
At a Glance
Why Get Tested?
To detect the presence of and/or measure the quantity of nicotine or cotinine in blood, urine, saliva, or sometimes hair; to determine whether someone uses tobacco or has been exposed to secondhand smoke; sometimes performed to evaluate for acute nicotine poisoning
When to Get Tested?
Whenever someone requires confirmation of tobacco usage or exposure to secondhand smoke; occasionally when nicotine overdose is suspected
Sample Required?
A blood sample collected from a vein in your arm or a random urine sample; sometimes a saliva sample or, rarely, a hair sample
Test Preparation Needed?
None
