Nicotine and Metabolites, Serum
Use
This test is useful for monitoring tobacco use in a clinical setting. Tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable disease, disability, and death in the United States. The test measures the serum concentrations of nicotine and its metabolite cotinine, which can indicate active use of tobacco products or high-dose nicotine patch therapy. It is also utilized in programs to abstain from tobacco by verifying abstinence through biochemical measurement of nicotine and metabolites in serum.
Special Instructions
Within 2 hours of collection, centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial. If not ordering electronically, complete and send one of the specified forms with the specimen, such as the "Kidney Transplant Test Request" or "Therapeutics Test Request."
Limitations
Knowledge of time elapsed between last dose and specimen collection is important for interpretation of test results. The test may not fully discriminate between tobacco use and nicotine replacement therapy without additional tests such as NICOU / Nicotine and Metabolites, Random, Urine analysis to detect anabasine, a tobacco alkaloid not present in nicotine replacement products.
New York Approved
Methodology
Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 90226-2
- 3853-9
- 10365-5
Result Turnaround Time
2-4 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
0.8 mL
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Container
Red top (serum gel/SST are not acceptable)
Collection Instructions
Within 2 hours of collection, centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.
Causes for Rejection
Gross hemolysis: OK; Gross lipemia: OK; Gross icterus: OK
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 28 days |
| Refrigerated | 28 days |
| Frozen | 28 days |