Nicotine and Expanded Metabolites, LC/MS/MS
Use
This test measures nicotine and multiple metabolites (e.g., cotinine, 3‑hydroxycotinine, nornicotine, norcotinine, anabasine) to assess recent and longer-term tobacco or nicotine exposure, including distinguishing tobacco use from nicotine replacement therapy. Useful for smoking cessation monitoring, exposure assessment, and clinical or research evaluations.
Special Instructions
No special preparation required. Specimen is urine. Performing laboratory: Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute (Chantilly, VA).
Limitations
Turnaround time may be affected by weather, holidays, or laboratory delays. Does not include chain‑of‑custody or medical review officer services. Detection of anabasine helps distinguish tobacco use from nicotine replacement therapy; other metabolites may vary with individual metabolism.
Methodology
Mass Spectrometry
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 3853-9
- 10365-5
- 35140-3
Result Turnaround Time
5-7 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Urine
Volume
Not provided
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL (as per related source)
Container
Sterile urine specimen cup or equivalent
Collection Instructions
Collect random urine; transport 1 mL urine refrigerated
Patient Preparation
No special preparation required
Storage Instructions
Refrigerated transport
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Ambient: 72 hours (related source) |
| Refrigerated | 14 days (related source) |
| Frozen | 30 days (related source) |