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Test Directory Nicotine and Expanded Metabolites, LC/MS/MS, Urine

Nicotine and Expanded Metabolites, LC/MS/MS, Urine

Test Summary

This assay is used for the detection of nicotine and several metabolites and the related alkaloid anabasine in urine to determine the tobacco exposure status of the individual. Nicotine has a short half-life of approximately sixty minutes; Its presence may indicate recent tobacco exposure. The half-life of the various nicotine metabolites is longer and provides a larger window of detection for tobacco exposure. The presence of anabasine is indicative of tobacco exposure (smoked or smokeless) versus the use of a nicotine replacement patch product. Anabasine is a related alkaloid found only in the tobacco plant. Individuals exposed to passive tobacco smoke (environmental or second-hand) can have detectable concentrations of nicotine and its metabolites depending on the type of exposure. The ranges of concentrations related to passive exposure are not well established but normally are less than those attributed to active tobacco users.

Aliases

Specimen Collection

Special Instructions

N/A

Preferred Specimen

1 mL urine

Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Instructions

N/A

Patient Preparation

N/A

Storage

Plastic screw-cap vial or Plastic urine container

Transport Temperature

Refrigerated (cold packs)

Specimen Stability

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

Limitations

N/A

Other Acceptable Specimens

N/A

Unacceptable Specimens

N/A

Order Code

NICEXP

EPIC (Premier) Code

LAB5231

Includes

Nicotine, Cotinine, 3-OH-Cotinine, Nornicotine, Norcotinine, Anabasine

CPT Code

80323

Billing Code

670353

CPT Statement

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. The FDA has determined that such clearance or approval is not necessary. This assay has been validated pursuant to the CLIA regulations and is used for clinical purposes.

Physician Attestation of Informed Consent

N/A

Testing Laboratory

Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute
14225 Newbrook Drive
Chantilly VA, 20153

Department

Reference Testing

Reference Range

	Non-Smoker (ng/mL)	Active Tobacco User (ng/mL)
Nicotine	<17	200-700
Cotinine	<20	300-1300
3-OH-Cotinine	<50	3000-25000
Nornicotine	<2	30-900
Norcotinine	<2	Not established
Anabasine	<2	10-500

Setup Schedule / Expected Turnaround Time

Monday - Saturday evening; Report available: 3 days