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Cotinine, Serum or Plasma, Mass Concentration

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This test measures the amount of cotinine, a breakdown product of nicotine, in your blood. It helps assess recent exposure to tobacco smoke.

Quick summary

["Cotinine helps track how much nicotine you’ve been exposed to recently, often used in smoking cessation studies or monitoring."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
56404-7
Short code
Tobacco IgG4-mCnc
Synonyms
Tobacco IgG4-mCnc
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
CPT
82784
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 Is This Test Done?

Your healthcare provider may order this test if you’re trying to quit smoking and want to monitor your progress. It can also be used in research or clinical studies to evaluate tobacco exposure levels.

What Does the Result Mean?

Higher levels may indicate recent tobacco use, while lower levels suggest reduced or no exposure. However, results alone don’t confirm smoking status—other factors can influence cotinine levels.

How Is the Test Performed?

A blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm. The sample is sent to a lab where it’s analyzed using a sensitive test to measure cotinine concentration.

What Are Common Results?

Results are reported in nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL). Interpretation depends on clinical context, such as whether the test is part of a smoking cessation program or research study.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Cotinine is a reliable marker for recent nicotine exposure, often used in studies or clinical settings to assess smoking habits. It’s more stable in the body than nicotine itself, making it useful for tracking progress over time.

Short name

Cotinine Level

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to get results?
Results are typically available within 1–3 business days, depending on lab processing times. Follow-up instructions from your provider will guide when to expect them.
Can I stop taking medications before the test?
If your provider prescribes medications that affect nicotine metabolism, they may advise you to stop or adjust them before testing. Otherwise, no special preparation is needed.
Is this test the same as a nicotine test?
No, cotinine is a metabolite of nicotine, not nicotine itself. While both are linked to tobacco use, cotinine provides a longer window for detecting exposure.
  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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy