Nicotine and Cotinine, Urine

Test Code

UNICOT

Quest Code

90646

CPT Codes
80323

Preferred Specimen

1 mL random urine, collected in a plastic, screw-capped vial or a plastic, leak-proof urine container

Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Transport Temperature

Refrigerated (cold packs)

Specimen Stability

Room temperature: 72 hours
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 30 days

Methodology
Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry

FDA Status
This test was developed and its analytical performance characteristics have been determined by Quest Diagnostics. It has not been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This assay has been validated pursuant to the CLIA regulations and is used for clinical purposes.

Setup Schedule

Set up: Mon-Sat evening; Report available: 3 days

Reference Range

Nicotine, Urine

Smoker	200-700 ng/mL
Nonsmoker	≤17 ng/mL

Cotinine, Urine

Smoker	300-1300 ng/mL
Nonsmoker	≤20 ng/mL

Individuals exposed to second-hand or passive tobacco smoke may demonstrate concentrations of nicotine and cotinine greater than those indicated for nonsmokers.

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 Nichols Institute

14225 Newbrook Drive

Chantilly, VA 20153

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.