Cotinine Serum ( Nicotine metabolite )
Also Known As
Test Parameters Included
- Serum Cotinine Concentration: Measures the exact amount of cotinine in the blood. Unlike urine tests which can be affected by hydration levels, serum concentration provides a more stable and direct measurement of the body's internal nicotine load.
Department
Methodology
Sample Required
Preparation
Schedule Report
24 Hours
Emergency Report
Yes
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does cotinine stay in the blood?
It typically stays for 2 to 4 days after last use, though it can linger longer in heavy smokers.
Why is the report available in 24 hours?
While Mass Spectrometry is complex, our automated laboratory workflows prioritize rapid results for insurance and surgical clearances.
Will a "vape" show up on this test?
Yes. Most e-cigarettes deliver nicotine, which is metabolized into cotinine just like traditional cigarettes.
Can I fail the test from secondhand smoke?
Highly sensitive Mass Spectrometry can detect passive smoke, but the "cut-off" for active use is usually set high enough to distinguish between the two.
Does "nicotine-free" tobacco show up?
If the product is truly nicotine-free, it will not produce cotinine; however, many "low-nicotine" products still trigger a positive result.
Why use Serum instead of Urine?
Serum is harder to "cheat" or dilute and provides a more accurate snapshot of what is currently in your system.
Can eating tomatoes cause a false positive?
No. While some vegetables contain trace nicotine, Mass Spectrometry is precise enough to ignore these negligible amounts.
Can I drink water before the test?
Yes, hydration is fine and does not affect serum cotinine concentration.
What if I just quit yesterday?
You will likely still test positive, as it takes several days for cotinine to clear the blood.
Does the test show how much I smoke?
Generally, yes; higher serum levels usually correlate with more frequent or heavier nicotine use.
Is this test admissible in court?
Yes, because LC-MS/MS is a confirmatory method, it is widely accepted for legal and forensic purposes.
Why is it called a "metabolite"?
A metabolite is simply what your liver creates after it processes a specific substance (like nicotine).
Will the test detect nicotine patches?
Yes, any source of nicotine entering the body will be metabolized into cotinine.
Does age affect how fast cotinine clears?
Yes, older individuals or those with slower metabolisms may take slightly longer to clear cotinine from their blood.
Is the test result confidential?
Absolutely. At Dr. Patho, your results are released only to you or authorized parties like your insurance provider.
Test Description
Test Code
N16
- High-end laboratory & medical equipment.
- Outstanding doctor team.
- Personalized care & high-quality service.
- Tailormade health screening packages.