Cotinine (Nicotine) Screen, Urine

Test Code

COT-Test

Preferred Specimen

Urine

Patient Preparation
N/A

Minimum Volume

1 mL

Other Acceptable Specimens

None

Transport Container

Yellow top urine tube, urine collection cup, or other collection container without preservatives/additives.

Transport Temperature

Room temperature or refrigerated

Specimen Stability

Room temperature up to 24 hrs, or Refrigerated up to 48hrs

Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)

Urine collected in any container with additives or preservatives (i.e. urine culture tubes)

Methodology
Lateral flow chromatographic immunoassay (rapid kit)

Reference Range

Negative

Clinical Significance

This is a qualitative rapid test that can detect the presence of cotinine (a metabolite produced by the breakdown of nicotine) in concentrations as low as 200 ng/mL. This assay provides only a qualitative screen result (negative or positive). Should a more specific chemical method be indicated, the following chromatolography/mass spectrometry send out testing is available with a 6-10 day turn around time: Nicotine and Cotinine, Urine LC/MS/MS

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.