Can Nicotine Be Detected in the Bloodstream?

Laboratory tests can determine nictotine levels in the bloodstream.

Nicotine enters a person's body through smoking cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products. Nicotine can be detected in the bloodstream, however nicotine levels are more accurately detected by analyzing cotinine, a chemical produced in a person's body in response to nicotine.

Significance

Blood tests are often required to detect levels of nicotine in the bloodstream. These tests can be used by employers for prospective employees, or by doctors to detect possible nicotine poisoning.

Time Frame

According to a study conducted by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, nicotine is present in the bloodstream one to two hours after entering a person's body. Laboratory blood tests can detect nicotine in the blood during this period of time.

Cotinine

The Foundation for Blood Research states cotinine is produced by a person's body in response to nicotine and remains elevated in the bloodstream for 18 to 20 hours. This chemical can be detected seven to 10 days after the cessation of smoking.

References

• Foundation for Blood Research: Cotinine Pamphlet
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology: Detection of Cotinine in Blood Plasma by HPLC MS/MS