Hair cotinine (24-hour integrated) – Substance concentration
This test measures the presence of cotinine, a metabolite of nicotine, in hair over a 24-hour period. It helps assess long-term exposure to tobacco smoke or nicotine.
["This test can help track past nicotine exposure, even after you’ve stopped smoking or using nicotine products."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 40355-0
- Short code
- Cotinine Hair Ql
- Synonyms
- Cotinine Hair Ql
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- 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 Hair Cotinine Testing Used For?
Hair cotinine testing is primarily used to detect long-term exposure to nicotine, often in cases where someone may have been exposed to secondhand smoke or used nicotine products like e-cigarettes or nicotine patches. It can also be part of workplace or legal evaluations to confirm exposure history, especially when short-term urine tests may not reflect past use accurately.
How Is the Test Collected?
A small sample of hair is collected, typically from the scalp or other areas where hair grows. The test analyzes the chemical signature of cotinine embedded in the hair over time, which reflects cumulative exposure to nicotine.
What Does a Positive Result Mean?
A positive result indicates past exposure to nicotine, suggesting you may have used tobacco products, smoked secondhand tobacco, or used nicotine replacement therapies. However, it does not confirm current use—this test looks at history rather than recent exposure.
How Does This Compare to Other Nicotine Tests?
Unlike urine tests, which show recent exposure, hair cotinine tests provide a broader picture of long-term nicotine exposure. They can detect nicotine use months or years before testing, making them useful for tracking historical patterns.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Healthcare providers may order hair cotinine tests to evaluate exposure risks in individuals with respiratory conditions (e.g., asthma, COPD), to assess secondhand smoke exposure in children or vulnerable populations, or as part of legal or workplace investigations. It can also help monitor compliance with nicotine cessation programs by confirming past use.
Short name
Hair Nicotine Metabolite Test
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get results?
Can I shower or wash my hair before the test?
Does this test detect current nicotine use?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
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.
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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy