Nicotine and Cotinine, Urine : 90646

Test Code
UNICOT or 90646

CPT Codes
80323

Instructions
Random urine.

Transport Container
Transport 1 mL urine with no additives or preservatives. (Min: 0.5 mL) Submit specimen in transport tube.

Transport Temperature
Refrigerated.

Specimen Stability
Ambient: 72 hours; Refrigerated: 21 days; Frozen: 30 days

Methodology
Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry

Setup Schedule
Monday & Wednesday & Friday

Report Available
4 days (From receipt at performing laboratory)

Reference Range
Nicotine
Smokers 200-700 ng/mL
Nonsmokers less than or equal to 7 ng/mL

Cotinine
Smokers 300-1300 ng/mL
Nonsmokers less than or equal to 20 ng/mL

Clinical Significance
This assay is used for the detection of nicotine and cotinine in urine to determine the tobacco exposure status of the individual. Nicotine has a short half-life of approximately forty minutes; Its presence may indicate recent tobacco exposure. Cotinine, the major nicotine metabolite, has a half-life of 24 hours and is detectable for several days after cessation of tobacco exposure.

Performing Laboratory
Quest Diagnostics

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.