How Long Can Tobacco Smoke be Detected with a Nicotine & Metabolite Serum Test?

Nicotine and metabolite testing determines the level of nicotine in the body.

Nicotine and nicotine metabolite tests determine the amount of nicotine and its metabolites that are in an individual's body. Testing is performed on urine or serum and is used in conjunction with cessation counseling, support and drugs to help individuals stop using tobacco.

Average Nicotine Levels

In active tobacco users, average nicotine levels range from 30 ng/mL (nanograms per milliliter) to 50 ng/mL. Nicotine is metabolized by the liver to produce the chemical cotinine (an anagram of nicotine). While nicotine has a short half-life, cotinine is metabolized in the system at a much slower rate.

Testing

A nicotine and nicotine metabolite test measures nicotine and its metabolite cotinine in the system. It is with both these values that determination of nicotine usage can be made.

Measurements and Time

In heavy tobacco users, nicotine and cotinine levels in serum reduce after two weeks of abstinence to less than 2 ng/mL. This measurement is the standard in determining non-usage. Levels higher than 2 ng/mL indicate the test subject might be continuing to use tobacco or has been exposed to secondhand smoke.

References

• ARUP Laboratories: Nicotine and Metabolites, Serum or Plasma
• Mayo Clinic: Unit Code 82509: Nicotine and Metabolites, Serum
• Depression Guide: Cotinine

Resources

• Clinical Chemistry: Simultaneous Analysis of Nicotine, Nicotine Metabolites, and Tobacco Alkaloids