This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Marshfield Labs. This laboratory is certified under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) to perform high complexity testing.
This is a screening assay performed on urine specimens and is not designed to support forensic purposes. The detection of cotinine (nicotine metabolite) is to be used for compliance monitoring and identification of abuse. The cutoff level of this test is 200 ng/mL. This test utilizes immunoassay reagents to detect cotinine (nicotine metabolite).
Immunoassay is useful in detecting truly negative samples. However, each immunoassay is more sensitive to some components of the drug class than others, and cross-reactivity of other substances can interfere or alter results. Therefore, this test is intended to be used by a physician or trained provider and interpreted in the context of the patient's symptoms and history.
Positive results are not definitive, and should be considered presumptive. Any presumptive positive results should be confirmed before the results are acted upon. The advantage of this test is that it is low-cost to the patient, and in most cases will give enough information to determine if the patient is adhering to the guidelines of their particular program.
Specimens are kept for 6 business days from the screening date. If confirmation by LC-MS/MS is desired to accurately determine compliance, please call the laboratory at 93734 within this timeframe. If specimen is available, confirmation testing can be ordered at an additional charge.
Nicotine acts as a central and peripheral nervous system stimulant. In addition, nicotine is highly addictive and is associated with short term adverse health effects, including elevated blood pressure, heart rate, and blood glucose levels. Besides increased cancer rates, long term tobacco use is associated with increased incidence of atherosclerotic arterial disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hypertension, and low birth weight of infants born to mothers who smoke. For patients undergoing surgery, tobacco and nicotine use have important implications. Several studies have shown delayed healing times and increased infection and thrombosis rates in nicotine users after surgical procedures. Tobacco use in patients receiving organ transplants is associated with elevated rates of graft loss, mortality, and new cancer.
Seventy percent of circulating nicotine is metabolized to cotinine.