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Cigarettes per Day, Last 3 Months — Pre-Pregnancy Smoking Assessment

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 17, 2026

A patient-reported measure of average daily cigarette use during the previous 3 months, used to assess tobacco exposure before pregnancy.

Quick summary

["This assessment documents recent cigarette use so clinicians can provide appropriate tobacco-cessation and pregnancy-risk counseling."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 17, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
64795-8
Short code
Cigarettes per D last 3Mo preg PhenX
Synonyms
Cigarettes per D last 3Mo preg PhenX
Category
liver
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Ref low
10
Ref high
40
Critical range
20 N/A – 400 N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Method
phenx
CPT
84484
SNOMED
302774002
Specimen volume
5 mL
Stability
Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
Hemolysis max
500
Lipemia max
1000
Icterus max
500
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

What is this test?

This is a smoking-history assessment that records the average number of cigarettes smoked per day during the previous 3 months. It is based on your self-report rather than a blood or urine measurement.

Why might I need this test?

Clinicians may use this information during pregnancy planning or prenatal care to identify tobacco exposure, discuss possible risks, and offer help with quitting.

How is the test performed?

You answer questions about your cigarette use, including the average number smoked per day over the last 3 months. The information is entered into your medical record.

How do I prepare for the test?

No special preparation is needed. Think about your usual smoking pattern during the previous 3 months and report any intermittent use as accurately as you can.

Reference range

Adult: 10-40 U/LN/A

Specimen: serum

No special preparation required. Avoid fatty meals before the test if possible.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

Pre-Pregnancy Smoking History

Frequently asked questions

Does this test measure nicotine or other chemicals in my body?
No. It is a questionnaire based on the cigarettes you report smoking, not a laboratory measurement of nicotine, carbon monoxide, or other substances.
How should I estimate the average number of cigarettes per day?
Consider your usual smoking pattern over the previous 3 months, including cigarettes smoked on days when you smoked more heavily. If you are unsure, report this to your clinician.
Why is smoking history important before or during pregnancy?
Tobacco exposure can increase risks to both the pregnant patient and the developing fetus. Accurate reporting allows your clinician to discuss these risks and provide cessation support.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy