Nicotine and Metabolite Quantitation

Overview

  • EPIC Code:
  • LAB1738
  • Soft Test Code:
  • NICS
  • Send Out Test Code:
  • 90642
Included Tests

Cotinine; Nicotine


Clinical Significance

This assay is used for the detection of nicotine and cotinine in serum and plasma to determine the tobacco exposure status of the individual. Nicotine has a short half-life of approximately forty minutes; Its presence may indicate recent tobacco exposure. Cotinine, the major nicotine metabolite, has a half-life of 24 hours and is detectable for several days after cessation of tobacco exposure.


Specimen Collection & Preparation

Specimen Requirements

4.0 mL Whole Blood in a Lavender Top Tube - EDTA 


Transport And Storage

72 hours Ambient
21 days Refrigerated (Preferred)


Collection Instructions

Must be centrifuged and serum separated within 2 hours of collection


Minimum Volume

2.0 mL Whole Blood


Neonatal Volume

Clinical Interpretation

Reference Range:

Nicotine
Smokers 2-10 ng/mL
Nonsmokers < or =4 ng/mL

Cotinine
Smokers 16-145 ng/mL
Nonsmokers < or = 8 ng/mL 


Methodology:
  • Chromatography / Mass Spectrometry
Clinical Significance

This assay is used for the detection of nicotine and cotinine in serum and plasma to determine the tobacco exposure status of the individual. Nicotine has a short half-life of approximately forty minutes; Its presence may indicate recent tobacco exposure. Cotinine, the major nicotine metabolite, has a half-life of 24 hours and is detectable for several days after cessation of tobacco exposure.


Production Schedule

Sites Performed
  • Quest - Chantilly
Days Performed
Monday
Wednesday
Friday
Departments
  • Sendouts - Clinical
Turn Around Time

6 to 9 days


Coding & Compliance

CDM

00913889


CPT Coding

80323