When is the nicotine test cotinine test ordered?
Cotinine and/or nicotine may be ordered whenever an evaluation of tobacco use status or tobacco smoke exposure is required. When a person enters a smoking cessation program, blood or urine cotinine tests may be ordered to evaluate compliance. Urine, blood, or saliva testing may be performed as a screen for tobacco use when someone is applying for life or health insurance, or applying for work with an employer that prohibits smoking. Testing may also be ordered by a court for child custody purposes. Since smoking can increase the risks of medical complications, testing may be performed prior to the start of some drug therapies or surgical procedures. Nicotine and cotinine are sometimes measured when a patient has symptoms that the doctor suspects may be due to a nicotine overdose.
