Nicotine and Cotinine, Serum/Plasma
Use
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.
Special Instructions
Not provided.
Limitations
Not provided.
Methodology
Mass Spectrometry
Biomarkers
Result Turnaround Time
3-4 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
1 mL serum collected in a red‑top tube (no gel)
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL serum or plasma • 2 mL whole blood
Container
Plastic, screw‑cap vial
Collection Instructions
Spin and transfer serum or plasma into a plastic, screw‑capped vial; also acceptable: plasma collected in EDTA (lavender‑top) or royal blue‑top tube; transport EDTA whole blood
Storage Instructions
Refrigerated (cold packs)
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 72 hours |
| Refrigerated | 21 days |
| Frozen | 30 days |
Other tests from different labs that may be relevant