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Nicotine and Expanded Metabolites, LC/MS/MS

Test Summary

This assay is used for the detection of nicotine and two primary metabolites, 3-OH cotinine and cotinine in serum and plasma to determine the tobacco exposure status of an individual. Nicotine has a short half-life of approximately sixty minutes; Its presence may indicate recent tobacco exposure. The half-life of the primary metabolites is longer and provides a larger window of detection for tobacco exposure. 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

  • N/A

Specimen Collection

Special Instructions

N/A

Preferred Specimen

1 mL serum collected in a red-top tube (no-gel)

Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Instructions

Spin and transfer serum or plasma into a plastic, screw-capped vial.

Patient Preparation

N/A

Storage

Plastic screw-cap vial

Transport Temperature

Refrigerated (cold packs)

Specimen Stability

  • Serum and plasma
  • Room temperature: 72 hours
  • Refrigerated: 21 days
  • Frozen: 30 days
  • Whole blood
  • Room temperature: 72 hours
  • Refrigerated: 21 days
  • Frozen: Unacceptable

Limitations

N/A

Other Acceptable Specimens

Plasma or whole blood collected in: EDTA (royal blue-top) tube or EDTA (lavender-top) tube

Unacceptable Specimens

Gross hemolysis • Serum separator tube (SST) • Frozen whole blood

Order Code

NICOT

EPIC (Premier) Code

LAB5230

Includes

Nicotine, Cotinine, 3-OH-Cotinine

CPT Code

  • 80323

Billing Code

  • 670354

CPT Statement

CPT Statement

Methodology

Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry

FDA Status

Lab Developed Test: This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by CompuNet Clinical Labs. The laboratory is regulated under CLIA as qualified to perform high-complexity testing. This test is used for clinical purposes. It should not be regarded as investigational or for research.

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<42-10
Cotinine<816-145
3-OH-Cotinine<2100-500

Setup Schedule / Expected Turnaround Time

Monday - Saturday evening; Report available: 3 days

Specimen Collection

Special Instructions

N/A

Preferred Specimen

1 mL serum collected in a red-top tube (no-gel)

Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Instructions

Spin and transfer serum or plasma into a plastic, screw-capped vial.

Patient Preparation

N/A

Storage

Plastic screw-cap vial

Transport Temperature

Refrigerated (cold packs)

Specimen Stability

  • Serum and plasma
  • Room temperature: 72 hours
  • Refrigerated: 21 days
  • Frozen: 30 days
  • Whole blood
  • Room temperature: 72 hours
  • Refrigerated: 21 days
  • Frozen: Unacceptable

Limitations

N/A

Other Acceptable Specimens

Plasma or whole blood collected in: EDTA (royal blue-top) tube or EDTA (lavender-top) tube

Unacceptable Specimens

Gross hemolysis • Serum separator tube (SST) • Frozen whole blood

Billing

CPT Code

  • 80323

Billing Code

  • 670354

CPT Statement

CPT Statement

Result Information

Methodology

Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry

Testing Laboratory

N/A

Reference Range

Non-Smoker
(ng/mL)		Active Tobacco User
(ng/mL)
Nicotine<42-10
Cotinine<816-145
3-OH-Cotinine<2100-500

Setup Schedule / Expected Turnaround Time

Monday - Saturday evening; Report available: 3 days