Also Known As
Cotinine Screening, Cotinine Test, Nicotine Screening, Nicotine Test, Smoking Biomarker Test
The Purpose of a Nicotine Test
Nicotine is the chief stimulant in cigarettes and produces one of the strongest addictions, with the risk of severe withdrawal symptoms when a person tries to quit smoking. It’s also dangerous to a person’s health: Nicotine can elevate heart rate and blood pressure, increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, and has a toxic effect on the brain. As a result, people may use a test for nicotine as a way to monitor their health or ensure the success of a smoking cessation program.
What Does the Nicotine Blood Test Measure?
A nicotine blood test measures the amount of this stimulant in your body as well as metabolites, the substances produced by your body after nicotine exposure. Cotinine is one of the major nicotine metabolites; it is, like other metabolites, eliminated from the body during urination.
Who Should Take a Blood Test for Nicotine?
A nicotine test is often recommended as a way for you to track your progress as you try to quit smoking. You may also use it if you work or live in an environment where cigarette smoke is prevalent, and you want to check your secondhand nicotine exposure. It’s worth noting that e-cigarettes and nicotine replacements can also raise your nicotine levels, and you may want to test for metabolites if you use those products. Businesses that need to monitor employees’ nicotine intake may use a nicotine test along with other screening tests for drugs and alcohol.
Nicotine Test Preparation
No special preparation is necessary prior to your nicotine blood workup.
Nicotine Blood Work Results
Low levels of nicotine and metabolites indicate minimal nicotine use and exposure. Moderate levels may signal recent tobacco use, while higher levels suggest that nicotine use is still current. A telehealth visit with one of our board-certified doctors can help you determine the best course of action moving forward, depending on the results from your blood test for nicotine.
Where Can I Get a Test for Nicotine Near Me?
Our goal is to help you take control of your health. With accurate information from blood testing, you can get the data you need to make informed choices on lifestyle, medication, and other factors that influence your well-being.
We’ve created a streamlined ordering process for our comprehensive test selection, giving you fast and convenient service:
It’s easy to get a blood type test with Personalabs:
Step 1: Purchase one of our lab tests online and download the lab order. (You won’t need pre-approval from your doctor, depending on the state where you live.)
Step 2: Use our lab locator to find the facility near you and make an appointment. We partner with Labcorp and Quest Diagnostics, giving you convenient access to more than 4,000 labs nationwide.
Step 3: Bring the test order to your appointment for your blood draw.
Step 4: You can expect to receive your nicotine blood test results in your private and secure Personalabs account within 2 to 10 business days. (Contact us if you need a specific turnaround time, which may vary by location, and we will reach out to the lab for you.)
