Nicotine and Cotinine in Urine (Mass Concentration)
This test measures the levels of nicotine and its primary metabolite, cotinine, found in your urine. It helps assess recent exposure to tobacco smoke.
["This test can help track how much tobacco you’ve been exposed to recently."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 43218-7
- Short code
- Nicotine+Cotinine Ur Ql
- Synonyms
- Nicotine+Cotinine Ur Ql
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine container
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Specimen volume
- 10 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 2h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Is Done
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you suspect recent exposure to tobacco products, such as smoking or vaping. It can also be used in research or workplace safety settings to monitor environmental tobacco exposure.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You’ll provide a urine sample, typically collected in a clean container. Avoid smoking or using tobacco products for at least 24 hours before testing if instructed, as it may affect results.
What the Results Mean
Results show the amount of nicotine and cotinine in your urine. Higher levels may indicate recent exposure to tobacco smoke. However, interpretation depends on clinical context, such as your smoking history or exposure circumstances.
Possible Causes of Abnormal Results
Elevated levels may suggest recent smoking or vaping, but other factors like environmental exposure or certain medications could also play a role. False positives might occur if you’ve consumed tobacco products or if the sample wasn’t handled properly.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
This test is primarily used in research, occupational health, or specialized clinical settings to detect recent tobacco exposure. It’s not commonly used for routine smoking cessation monitoring but can help assess exposure in specific populations, such as children or individuals in high-risk environments.
Short name
Urine Nicotine & Cotinine
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get results from this test?
Can I drink alcohol before this test?
Is there anything I should avoid doing after providing the urine sample?
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