Nicotine and Metabolites, Serum or Plasma, Quantitative

Casandra

Casandra Test Code AR22727Version 1 (DRAFT)

Performing Lab

Lab ARUP LaboratoriesLab Test ID 0092361CPT Codes 0480, 80323

Nicotine and Metabolites, Serum or Plasma, Quantitative

Also known as: NICOTINESP

Clinical Use

Order Test

Use

This test is used to detect and monitor nicotine and cotinine in serum or plasma, which can be useful when a valid urine specimen cannot be obtained, such as in cases of anuria or dialysis. It evaluates recent use of nicotine-containing products, although it cannot definitively discriminate between passive and active exposure. It is useful for smoking cessation programs or compliance testing, as the absence of expected drug(s) or drug metabolite(s) could indicate noncompliance or other issues.

Special Instructions

For medical purposes only; not valid for forensic use. This test evaluates recent use of nicotine-containing products. The concentration value must be greater or equal to the cutoff to be reported as positive. Passive and active exposure cannot be discriminated definitively.

Limitations

This test cannot distinguish between the use of tobacco and purified nicotine products. Factors like noncompliance, inappropriate specimen collection timing, or poor drug absorption may affect results. The cutoff concentration for detection is 5 ng/mL. For surgery qualification purposes, a cutoff of 10 ng/mL cotinine is frequently used.

Test Details

New York Approved