Serum Nicotine and Cotinine Concentration (Screening)
This test measures levels of nicotine and its metabolite cotinine in your blood serum. It helps assess recent tobacco or nicotine exposure.
["This test helps determine if you’ve recently used nicotine products like cigarettes, vapes, or nicotine patches."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 90226-2
- Short code
- Nicotine & Cotinine panel SerPl
- Synonyms
- Nicotine & Cotinine panel SerPl
- 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
Why This Test Is Done
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you’re concerned about nicotine exposure, especially if you’re pregnant, recovering from addiction, or managing a health condition affected by nicotine. It can also be used in workplace safety programs or to monitor treatment progress for nicotine dependence.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You may have a small needle inserted into your arm to draw blood. If you’re pregnant, let your provider know before the test.
What the Results Mean
Nicotine and cotinine levels can vary based on how recently you used nicotine products. High levels may indicate recent exposure, while lower levels could mean you’ve reduced or stopped using them.
Common Causes of Abnormal Results
Elevated levels may be due to recent smoking, vaping, or exposure to secondhand smoke. Very low levels might suggest you’ve successfully reduced or quit nicotine use.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Nicotine and cotinine are biomarkers used to track nicotine exposure. Nicotine is the addictive substance in tobacco products, while cotinine is its primary metabolite, which stays in the body longer. These tests are critical for monitoring addiction treatment, assessing secondhand smoke exposure, and guiding public health interventions. High levels can indicate ongoing use, while declining levels may reflect successful abstinence or reduced exposure.
Short name
Nicotine & Cotinine Screen
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get my results?
Can I stop using nicotine products before the test?
What if my results are positive for nicotine?
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