NICOTINE (COTININE) METABOLITE SCREEN, SERUM

Message

*************** EFFECTIVE 02/09/2025 ***************

This test is temporarily being sent to Quest Diagnostics. Please order Quest #90642 - Nicotine and Cotinine, Serum/Plasma (CPT 80323) using the Soft code UNCMS.

IMPORTANT: Gold-top (SST) tubes are not accepted for Quest test. Collect serum in red-top tube (no gel). Centrifuge then aliquot (transfer) serum to a plastic, screw-capped vial. Send refrigerated.

Test Code

NICTS

CPT Codes
80307

Preferred Specimen

1 Gold tube (gel-separator)

Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Instructions

Centrifuge for complete separation of serum and red cells. Refrigerate until tested.

Transport Temperature

Refrigerate

Specimen Stability

2-8°C up to 21 days
Frozen up to 6 months

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

Quantity not sufficient

Methodology

EIA

Setup Schedule

M, Tu, W, Th, F, Sa, Su

Report Available

Within 24 hours of receipt at the performing laboratory.

Reference Range

Result	Value (ng/mL)
Negative	<50
Positive	>50
Indeterminant	LC/MS confirmation is recommended

Clinical Significance

Nicotine is readily metabolized into cotinine. This assay is intended as an aid in the detection of cotinine after use or exposure to tobacco products.

Performed By
Alverno Laboratories

Performing Laboratory
Alverno Central Lab
NCHB1 (Chemistry, Beckman AU)

Last Updated: February 21, 2025

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.