How Does the Nicotine Test Work?

pass a nicotine test
Jamesboy Nuchaikong/Shutterstock

Nowadays, the problem of nicotine use affects more and more people. A nicotine test will help you get the correct information about the level of nicotine or cotinine in your body. It is often used outside medical settings: at home, at work, on vacation, in educational, sports and entertainment facilities.

These tests can detect traces of even a single smoked cigarette more than 40 hours ago. Nicotine products are excreted in the urine for a long time, so it is easy to detect them even after such a long time.

Table of contents

  1. What is a Nicotine Test
  2. How Long Does Nicotine Stay In Your Blood
  3. Best Home Nicotine Test kit
  4. Best Urine Nicotine Test
  5. Best Cotinine Test
  6. Best Saliva Nicotine Test
  7. How to Beat a Nicotine Test
  8. How to Detox Body From Nicotine
  9. Why Do People Need Nicotine Tests?
  10. FAQ About Nicotine Drug Test
  11. Closing Thoughts

Table of contents

  1. What is a Nicotine Test
  2. How Long Does Nicotine Stay In Your Blood
  3. Best Home Nicotine Test kit
  4. Best Urine Nicotine Test
  5. Best Cotinine Test
  6. Best Saliva Nicotine Test
  7. How to Beat a Nicotine Test
  8. How to Detox Body From Nicotine
  9. Why Do People Need Nicotine Tests?
  10. FAQ About Nicotine Drug Test
  11. Closing Thoughts

Types of Nicotine Test

There are three major types of nicotine test:

  • blood test
  • urine test
  • saliva test (swab)

A fourth, rather less common type is the hair test, which is only used for research purposes, for instance in a study that tries to measure how much a non-smoker is exposed to tobacco smoke or vapor, produced by electronic cigarettes.

Nicotine Blood Test

The rate at which nicotine can be absorbed by the blood varies from person to person. It depends on the consumed amount in the particular brand of the cigarette and the way the person takes it. However, it’s instantly absorbed by blood i.e. within seconds of puffing on a cigarette or after taking a long draw from your vape.

Nicotine can be tested in blood both qualitatively and quantitatively. An expert can take a blood sample and determine the levels or mere presence of nicotine in it. The nicotine blood test is a very effective approach and can detect the tiniest traces of cotinine in the bloodstream.

Is Nicotine Blood Test Accurate?

Blood tests detect the presence of cotinine in the bloodstream. Cotinine is a metabolite formed when nicotine is metabolized by your body. It stays in the blood for longer than nicotine and therefore prolongs the detection window for the nicotine test.

There are a few things that we liked about the Nicotine Tests/Quantified Analysis:

  1. Includes a convenient home blood sample collection kit
  2. Just a few drops of blood are required to offer comprehensive, quantified lab results
  3. Can also detect secondhand smoking or use of Nicotine Replacement Therapies such as nicotine patches, nicotine gums etc.

This is an ideal nicotine test for workplaces, quit smoking programs, hospitals, academic research, and even self-testing. The New York State laws prohibit the sale of such kits to the residents, therefore if you live in NY, you won’t be able to acquire them.

There are three major types of nicotine test:

  • blood test
  • urine test
  • saliva test (swab)

A fourth, rather less common type is the hair test, which is only used for research purposes, for instance in a study that tries to measure how much a non-smoker is exposed to tobacco smoke or vapor, produced by electronic cigarettes.

Nicotine Blood Test

The rate at which nicotine can be absorbed by the blood varies from person to person. It depends on the consumed amount in the particular brand of the cigarette and the way the person takes it. However, it’s instantly absorbed by blood i.e. within seconds of puffing on a cigarette or after taking a long draw from your vape.

Nicotine can be tested in blood both qualitatively and quantitatively. An expert can take a blood sample and determine the levels or mere presence of nicotine in it. The nicotine blood test is a very effective approach and can detect the tiniest traces of cotinine in the bloodstream.

Is Nicotine Blood Test Accurate?

Blood tests detect the presence of cotinine in the bloodstream. Cotinine is a metabolite formed when nicotine is metabolized by your body. It stays in the blood for longer than nicotine and therefore prolongs the detection window for the nicotine test.

There are a few things that we liked about the Nicotine Tests/Quantified Analysis:

  1. Includes a convenient home blood sample collection kit
  2. Just a few drops of blood are required to offer comprehensive, quantified lab results
  3. Can also detect secondhand smoking or use of Nicotine Replacement Therapies such as nicotine patches, nicotine gums etc.

This is an ideal nicotine test for workplaces, quit smoking programs, hospitals, academic research, and even self-testing. The New York State laws prohibit the sale of such kits to the residents, therefore if you live in NY, you won’t be able to acquire them.

Nicotine in Bloodstream

Nicotine blood test
Saiful52/Shutterstock

When nicotine enters the bloodstream, it’s metabolized into cotinine, which then slowly mixes with the blood. Your liver then toils to remove the toxins along with cotinine from the blood. While the removal of waste products by the kidney from urine is very fast, detoxification of nicotine from blood is usually very slow.

Nicotine can be seen in blood 1-3 days after using a nicotine product. But depending on the intake and person’s genetics, sometimes it can take up to a week for the cotinine level in the blood of a tobacco user to come down to the level of a non-tobacco user.

Blood testing is usually done when very accurate results are required. Its pros and cons will show when it can be a viable option:

Pros of Blood-Based Testing

  • The most meticulous way for detecting nicotine in your body, with a comparatively longer detection window.

Cons of Blood-Testing

  • Expensive and time-consuming.

Nicotine blood test
Saiful52/Shutterstock

When nicotine enters the bloodstream, it’s metabolized into cotinine, which then slowly mixes with the blood. Your liver then toils to remove the toxins along with cotinine from the blood. While the removal of waste products by the kidney from urine is very fast, detoxification of nicotine from blood is usually very slow.

Nicotine can be seen in blood 1-3 days after using a nicotine product. But depending on the intake and person’s genetics, sometimes it can take up to a week for the cotinine level in the blood of a tobacco user to come down to the level of a non-tobacco user.

Blood testing is usually done when very accurate results are required. Its pros and cons will show when it can be a viable option:

Pros of Blood-Based Testing

  • The most meticulous way for detecting nicotine in your body, with a comparatively longer detection window.

Cons of Blood-Testing

  • Expensive and time-consuming.

Home Testing Nicotine Kit

The nicotine test kit consists of a standard, single-panel that can detect trace amounts of nicotine at around 200 ng/ml. These kits are easy to use and take five minutes to complete. Plus, the results are accurate 99 percent of the time.

This nicotine test is ideal for people worried about having nicotine in their system or parents who want to know whether their kids have been smoking.

How to Use This Test

  1. Take off the cap and dip the strip into a cup of urine
  2. Remove the strip when the “C” line appears
  3. Replace the cap and lay the strip flat
  4. The results will appear in five minutes

How to Interpret the Results

  • Two red lines on the strip mean the test is negative.
  • A single stripe means the test is positive.
  • A single stripe next to the “T” means the test is inconclusive.

Pros

  • Fast and Accurate Results
  • Available in five packs
  • Sensitive to the presence of nicotine

Cons

  • Results can be easy to falsify

View this test

The nicotine test kit consists of a standard, single-panel that can detect trace amounts of nicotine at around 200 ng/ml. These kits are easy to use and take five minutes to complete. Plus, the results are accurate 99 percent of the time.

This nicotine test is ideal for people worried about having nicotine in their system or parents who want to know whether their kids have been smoking.

How to Use This Test

  1. Take off the cap and dip the strip into a cup of urine
  2. Remove the strip when the “C” line appears
  3. Replace the cap and lay the strip flat
  4. The results will appear in five minutes

How to Interpret the Results

  • Two red lines on the strip mean the test is negative.
  • A single stripe means the test is positive.
  • A single stripe next to the “T” means the test is inconclusive.

Pros

  • Fast and Accurate Results
  • Available in five packs
  • Sensitive to the presence of nicotine

Cons

  • Results can be easy to falsify

View this test

Urine Nicotine Test

Tobacco Drug Test Urine Cassette

Urine cassettes are useful tests for people who want to know whether nicotine is in their system. It is also useful for employers and life insurance employees trying to detect fraud. These tests detect nicotine in urine up to four days after a cigarette was last smoked. It is easy to use and gives results quickly and accurately.

How to Use This Test

  1. The donor provides a urine sample
  2. Let the urine stand in a cup until it is room temperature
  3. Remove the cassette and eyedropper from the package
  4. Drip the urine onto the cassette’s oval-shaped well using the dropper

How to Interpret the Results

  • A single-colored line near the “C” means it is positive
  • Two colored lines mean the test is positive. It does not matter how bright or faded the color is.
  • No line means the test is inconclusive

Pros

  • Works quickly
  • Sensitive to nicotine
  • Efficient and accurate
  • Affordable

Cons

    View this test

    Tobacco Drug Test Urine Cassette

    Urine cassettes are useful tests for people who want to know whether nicotine is in their system. It is also useful for employers and life insurance employees trying to detect fraud. These tests detect nicotine in urine up to four days after a cigarette was last smoked. It is easy to use and gives results quickly and accurately.

    How to Use This Test

    1. The donor provides a urine sample
    2. Let the urine stand in a cup until it is room temperature
    3. Remove the cassette and eyedropper from the package
    4. Drip the urine onto the cassette’s oval-shaped well using the dropper

    How to Interpret the Results

    • A single-colored line near the “C” means it is positive
    • Two colored lines mean the test is positive. It does not matter how bright or faded the color is.
    • No line means the test is inconclusive

    Pros

    • Works quickly
    • Sensitive to nicotine
    • Efficient and accurate
    • Affordable

    Cons

      View this test

Cotinine Urine Test

Cotinine Drug Test Urine Dip

Cotinine is an alkaloid found in tobacco, and its presence in the body is a sure sign someone smokes. It is present in the body up to three days after someone last smoked. This cotinine test is an affordable method of determining whether someone has been smoking when they should not have been. It is easy to use and generates highly accurate results within minutes.

How to Use This Drug Test Kit

  1. Have the test taker urinate into a cup
  2. Take the cap off of the testing device
  3. Did the tip in the urine for 10 to 15 seconds
  4. Do not let the urine test sample touch the plastic on the device
  5. Place the cap over the tip and lay the device on a flat and clean surface
  6. The results will be ready in five minutes

How to Interpret the Results

  • A single-colored line in the “C” region means the test is positive
  • Two colored lines mean the test is negative, and it does not matter the intensity of the colors
  • No colored lines mean the test is invalid

Pros

  • Works quickly
  • Provides accurate results
  • Sensitive to cotinine

Cons

  • Results can be easily adulterated

View this test

Cotinine Drug Test Urine Dip

Cotinine is an alkaloid found in tobacco, and its presence in the body is a sure sign someone smokes. It is present in the body up to three days after someone last smoked. This cotinine test is an affordable method of determining whether someone has been smoking when they should not have been. It is easy to use and generates highly accurate results within minutes.

How to Use This Drug Test Kit

  1. Have the test taker urinate into a cup
  2. Take the cap off of the testing device
  3. Did the tip in the urine for 10 to 15 seconds
  4. Do not let the urine test sample touch the plastic on the device
  5. Place the cap over the tip and lay the device on a flat and clean surface
  6. The results will be ready in five minutes

How to Interpret the Results

  • A single-colored line in the “C” region means the test is positive
  • Two colored lines mean the test is negative, and it does not matter the intensity of the colors
  • No colored lines mean the test is invalid

Pros

  • Works quickly
  • Provides accurate results
  • Sensitive to cotinine

Cons

  • Results can be easily adulterated

View this test

Saliva Nicotine Test (Swab)

The most accurate and most preferred method by health professionals to test nicotine is saliva test or swab test. It not only rids you of the hassle of handling urine but is also capable of providing an approximate amount of compound the person has in his body, which can be easily translated into the amount of tobacco they have used.

A saliva test can determine nicotine levels of 0 to 2000ng/ml, the widest range offered by any of the three types of the test.

Just like a urine test, a saliva test requires the individual’s saliva to be soaked in a strip, for about twenty minutes. The saliva then reacts with cotinine metabolite in the strip and reveals the amount of nicotine in the system by indicating different levels of cotinine in the spit.

Pros

  • The saliva test is the most non-invasive, and the easiest nicotine test to administer.

Cons

  • Saliva test has a very short detection window. Usually, it’s reliable only if the donor has used nicotine very recently.

The most accurate and most preferred method by health professionals to test nicotine is saliva test or swab test. It not only rids you of the hassle of handling urine but is also capable of providing an approximate amount of compound the person has in his body, which can be easily translated into the amount of tobacco they have used.

A saliva test can determine nicotine levels of 0 to 2000ng/ml, the widest range offered by any of the three types of the test.

Just like a urine test, a saliva test requires the individual’s saliva to be soaked in a strip, for about twenty minutes. The saliva then reacts with cotinine metabolite in the strip and reveals the amount of nicotine in the system by indicating different levels of cotinine in the spit.

Pros

  • The saliva test is the most non-invasive, and the easiest nicotine test to administer.

Cons

  • Saliva test has a very short detection window. Usually, it’s reliable only if the donor has used nicotine very recently.

How to Pass a Nicotine Test

There are home remedies and some drugs, like Chantix and Zyban that can act as a medicinal cessation aid but don’t contain nicotine. These pills have their own side effects which can be extremely severe, so make sure you consult a health professional and offer them full disclosure on any health issues you’ve had in the past before taking any of these medicines.

Here are a few things you can do to clear nicotine from your body and pass a nicotine test:

  • Quit taking nicotine, preferably three weeks or at least 5-7 days before the test
  • Drink a lot of water as it helps nicotine leave your body through urine
  • Drink more fluids such as green tea, cranberry juice, and other fresh juices
  • Eat fresh vegetables, greens, and fruits. All of these can act as antioxidants and also speed up the process of detoxification of nicotine from your body. They are also rich in fiber and water content, two things that can expedite the process of metabolizing nicotine in your body.
  • Take a lot of Vitamin C. It’s found in oranges, lemons, limes, mangoes, strawberries, pineapples and other citrus fruits. Vitamin C is not only a great antioxidant but also accelerates metabolism.
  • Increase your physical activity, go for long walks, and start doing regular exercise. Increased blood circulation helps your body get rid of all the toxins including cotinine through sweat.
  • Eat foods that help raise bile production in your liver for speedier removal of nicotine and help your system get clean.
  • Garlic, egg yolks, and onions are some of the foods you should consider.
  • There are some medicines/detox drinks that claim to help your body get clean instantly, however, make sure you consult your doctor before taking any such medicine. We personally think most of these drinks are nothing but a waste of money.
  • Avoid going to places where people are smoking
  • Try to live a happy, depression-free life otherwise, you might feel like going back to your addiction.

One last cunning trick to pass the nicotine test: if you only have traces of nicotine showing up after the test, blame it on secondhand smoke. Needless to say, this excuse won’t work if your body is packed with nicotine.

There are home remedies and some drugs, like Chantix and Zyban that can act as a medicinal cessation aid but don’t contain nicotine. These pills have their own side effects which can be extremely severe, so make sure you consult a health professional and offer them full disclosure on any health issues you’ve had in the past before taking any of these medicines.

Here are a few things you can do to clear nicotine from your body and pass a nicotine test:

  • Quit taking nicotine, preferably three weeks or at least 5-7 days before the test
  • Drink a lot of water as it helps nicotine leave your body through urine
  • Drink more fluids such as green tea, cranberry juice, and other fresh juices
  • Eat fresh vegetables, greens, and fruits. All of these can act as antioxidants and also speed up the process of detoxification of nicotine from your body. They are also rich in fiber and water content, two things that can expedite the process of metabolizing nicotine in your body.
  • Take a lot of Vitamin C. It’s found in oranges, lemons, limes, mangoes, strawberries, pineapples and other citrus fruits. Vitamin C is not only a great antioxidant but also accelerates metabolism.
  • Increase your physical activity, go for long walks, and start doing regular exercise. Increased blood circulation helps your body get rid of all the toxins including cotinine through sweat.
  • Eat foods that help raise bile production in your liver for speedier removal of nicotine and help your system get clean.
  • Garlic, egg yolks, and onions are some of the foods you should consider.
  • There are some medicines/detox drinks that claim to help your body get clean instantly, however, make sure you consult your doctor before taking any such medicine. We personally think most of these drinks are nothing but a waste of money.
  • Avoid going to places where people are smoking
  • Try to live a happy, depression-free life otherwise, you might feel like going back to your addiction.

One last cunning trick to pass the nicotine test: if you only have traces of nicotine showing up after the test, blame it on secondhand smoke. Needless to say, this excuse won’t work if your body is packed with nicotine.

How Can I Detox My Body From Nicotine?

Clean Capsules

Clean Capsules are easy to use, and they do an efficient job of removing toxins from the human body using ingredients like protein, creatine, and riboflavin. They work within 90 minutes and last for six hours. These products are ideal for people who want to detox the body from nicotine in a day.

How to Use These Capsules

  1. Take four capsules and drink 16 ounces of water an hour and a half before a urine test
  2. Take four more capsules and drink another 16 ounces of water 15 minutes later
  3. Repeat the second step 15 minutes later
  4. Urinate three to four times to remove the toxins
  5. For five hours, nothing should be present in the urine

The Five Day Extreme Detoxification Program

This is a five-day-long program that can quickly clean the body of unwanted toxins. It is an outstanding product for people who think they have a high level of toxins in their systems. This program purges every single toxin from the body permanently, ensuring that the user can successfully meet his or her cleansing deadline. It also includes pre-cleansing formulas, herbal supplements, and a special dieting menu. Most importantly, it also comes with two free testing kits.

How to Use This Program

  • Pre-Cleanse Capsules: Take four capsules and drink 24 ounces of water an hour before starting the five-day program.
  • Morning Formula Capsules: Take six-morning capsules with 24 ounces of water one hour before breakfast for five days straight.
  • Evening Formula Capsules: Take six evening capsules with 24 ounces of water before dinner for five days straight.
  • Post-Cleanse Capsules: Take eight post-cleanse capsules after the program has completed.

Extreme Total Body Cleanse Program

This program lasts ten days, and it is designed for people who want to purge every part of their body of toxins. The program comes with a detailed meal plan, cleansing capsules, and shampoo that removes toxins from the scalp and hair. Additionally, it comes with a cleansing coach that helps users meet their cleansing goals. This is a tried and true program that has been on the market for 20 years, and it has a high level of success.

How to Use This Program

  • Discontinue smoking cigarettes and using marijuana
  • Take the four pre-cleanse capsules before starting the program
  • Take six morning capsules before breakfast for ten continuous days
  • Take six evening capsules before dinner for ten straight days
  • Take eight post-cleansing capsules after completing the program
  • Use the shampoo as directed and follow the meal plan

Clean Capsules

Clean Capsules are easy to use, and they do an efficient job of removing toxins from the human body using ingredients like protein, creatine, and riboflavin. They work within 90 minutes and last for six hours. These products are ideal for people who want to detox the body from nicotine in a day.

How to Use These Capsules

  1. Take four capsules and drink 16 ounces of water an hour and a half before a urine test
  2. Take four more capsules and drink another 16 ounces of water 15 minutes later
  3. Repeat the second step 15 minutes later
  4. Urinate three to four times to remove the toxins
  5. For five hours, nothing should be present in the urine

The Five Day Extreme Detoxification Program

This is a five-day-long program that can quickly clean the body of unwanted toxins. It is an outstanding product for people who think they have a high level of toxins in their systems. This program purges every single toxin from the body permanently, ensuring that the user can successfully meet his or her cleansing deadline. It also includes pre-cleansing formulas, herbal supplements, and a special dieting menu. Most importantly, it also comes with two free testing kits.

How to Use This Program

  • Pre-Cleanse Capsules: Take four capsules and drink 24 ounces of water an hour before starting the five-day program.
  • Morning Formula Capsules: Take six-morning capsules with 24 ounces of water one hour before breakfast for five days straight.
  • Evening Formula Capsules: Take six evening capsules with 24 ounces of water before dinner for five days straight.
  • Post-Cleanse Capsules: Take eight post-cleanse capsules after the program has completed.

Extreme Total Body Cleanse Program

This program lasts ten days, and it is designed for people who want to purge every part of their body of toxins. The program comes with a detailed meal plan, cleansing capsules, and shampoo that removes toxins from the scalp and hair. Additionally, it comes with a cleansing coach that helps users meet their cleansing goals. This is a tried and true program that has been on the market for 20 years, and it has a high level of success.

How to Use This Program

  • Discontinue smoking cigarettes and using marijuana
  • Take the four pre-cleanse capsules before starting the program
  • Take six morning capsules before breakfast for ten continuous days
  • Take six evening capsules before dinner for ten straight days
  • Take eight post-cleansing capsules after completing the program
  • Use the shampoo as directed and follow the meal plan

Nicotine Test — What Is It and Why Do It?

A nicotine test is done to find out whether a person is actively using tobacco or not. Tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of death in America.

According to a Fact Sheet by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, 480,000 people die in the States alone. Long-term use of tobacco increases the risk of many lethal diseases and can have a great impact on an individual’s health.

This is why many employers require nicotine testing to evaluate their prospective employees. In addition, there are many other reasons where an individual might be required to take a nicotine test:

  • When a court may order nicotine test, usually in cases of child custody
  • To find out if an individual is taking a nicotine overdose that might be causing/augmenting the illness he/she is under treatment for
  • When a woman is pregnant and wants to assess the health of unborn and in breastfeeding mothers to find out if the infant is getting its harmful effects through the milk
  • When health and life insurance companies require nicotine testing before they start their plan
  • To monitor compliance of an individual who joins a smoking cessation program
  • When an individual is about to go under spinal fusion, wound revision, orthopedic, plastic surgery, pulmonary therapy, or organ transplantation

A nicotine test can offer qualitative as well as quantitative results. Qualitative nicotine tests may reveal whether or not the compound is present inside the system of an individual, while quantitative nicotine tests show its concentration level.

In other words, Qualitative testing will help distinguish non-tobacco users, those who have recently quit, those who are exposed to second-hand smoke, and those who actively smoke from each other.

A nicotine test is done to find out whether a person is actively using tobacco or not. Tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of death in America.

According to a Fact Sheet by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, 480,000 people die in the States alone. Long-term use of tobacco increases the risk of many lethal diseases and can have a great impact on an individual’s health.

This is why many employers require nicotine testing to evaluate their prospective employees. In addition, there are many other reasons where an individual might be required to take a nicotine test:

  • When a court may order nicotine test, usually in cases of child custody
  • To find out if an individual is taking a nicotine overdose that might be causing/augmenting the illness he/she is under treatment for
  • When a woman is pregnant and wants to assess the health of unborn and in breastfeeding mothers to find out if the infant is getting its harmful effects through the milk
  • When health and life insurance companies require nicotine testing before they start their plan
  • To monitor compliance of an individual who joins a smoking cessation program
  • When an individual is about to go under spinal fusion, wound revision, orthopedic, plastic surgery, pulmonary therapy, or organ transplantation

A nicotine test can offer qualitative as well as quantitative results. Qualitative nicotine tests may reveal whether or not the compound is present inside the system of an individual, while quantitative nicotine tests show its concentration level.

In other words, Qualitative testing will help distinguish non-tobacco users, those who have recently quit, those who are exposed to second-hand smoke, and those who actively smoke from each other.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Can Nicotine Be Detected in a Test?

Nicotine usually leaves the blood within one to three days after a person has last used a cigarette. However, tests on the hair can detect it up to three months after using a cigarette. In addition, some tests can detect nicotine up to 12 months after a person uses a cigarette. Anyone who wants to know how to get nicotine out of your system should simply not smoke before a test.

What Kind of Nicotine Test Do Employers Use?

Most tests are designed to detect cotinine because it is more stable, and cotinine remains in the body longer than nicotine. Therefore, chances are that a person faced with a nicotine test faces a cotinine test.

What Level of Cotinine Do Employers Test For?

Most nicotine drug test kits will be flagged if they detect more than 10 ng/ml or higher, which is more than 20 times what will be present in a person who does not smoke. Second-hand smoke may trigger a false positive.

Can the Dentist Tell If You Vape?

A dentist may not be able to tell if a person vapes, but a dentist will know if a person consumes nicotine in any form. Nicotine restricts the flow of blood to the gums, which is a contributing factor to gum disease. Additionally, nicotine can stain the teeth, cause bone loss, and contribute to many periodontal health problems.

Does Nicotine Gum Show Up in a Urine Test?

Nicotine gum can negatively affect the results of a test, so such tests should not be administered to people who are using gum as part of a smoking cessation program.

Do Drug Tests Test for Nicotine?

Most drug tests do not test for nicotine; however, some employers and insurance companies may ask for nicotine test and cotinine tests.

How Long Can Nicotine Be Detected in a Test?

Nicotine usually leaves the blood within one to three days after a person has last used a cigarette. However, tests on the hair can detect it up to three months after using a cigarette. In addition, some tests can detect nicotine up to 12 months after a person uses a cigarette. Anyone who wants to know how to get nicotine out of your system should simply not smoke before a test.

What Kind of Nicotine Test Do Employers Use?

Most tests are designed to detect cotinine because it is more stable, and cotinine remains in the body longer than nicotine. Therefore, chances are that a person faced with a nicotine test faces a cotinine test.

What Level of Cotinine Do Employers Test For?

Most nicotine drug test kits will be flagged if they detect more than 10 ng/ml or higher, which is more than 20 times what will be present in a person who does not smoke. Second-hand smoke may trigger a false positive.

Can the Dentist Tell If You Vape?

A dentist may not be able to tell if a person vapes, but a dentist will know if a person consumes nicotine in any form. Nicotine restricts the flow of blood to the gums, which is a contributing factor to gum disease. Additionally, nicotine can stain the teeth, cause bone loss, and contribute to many periodontal health problems.

Does Nicotine Gum Show Up in a Urine Test?

Nicotine gum can negatively affect the results of a test, so such tests should not be administered to people who are using gum as part of a smoking cessation program.

Do Drug Tests Test for Nicotine?

Most drug tests do not test for nicotine; however, some employers and insurance companies may ask for nicotine test and cotinine tests.

Final Thoughts

Although nicotine is extremely addictive, quitting is possible. Chances of abstinence increase if both medicinal and non-medicinal aids are used to cope with the withdrawal symptoms. However, if you want to quickly get nicotine out of your system, you might not be able to use the nicotine replacement therapies.

Although nicotine is extremely addictive, quitting is possible. Chances of abstinence increase if both medicinal and non-medicinal aids are used to cope with the withdrawal symptoms. However, if you want to quickly get nicotine out of your system, you might not be able to use the nicotine replacement therapies.

Published: December 18, 2017 Updated: November 17, 2021


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17 comments on “How Does the Nicotine Test Work?

  • walter duryea

    November 22, 2018 at 8:30 am

    My friend went for back surgery, then he continued to smoke. All the parts are floating around in his back, and he’s in pain. He couldn’t stop.
    When your ready, your ready. I would have eaten the cigarettes, that’s how addicted I was. . Me, you, my friend, Your a JUNKIE.
    Drug addict, Dope fiend. Face It, Your a LOSER, LOSER, Quitters are winners. Good Luck. WJD

  • Donald swift

    November 12, 2018 at 10:48 pm

    My school is taking nicotine tests in 2 weeks till when can i smoke
    PLEASE ANSWER

  • Danielle A Petendree

    October 26, 2018 at 10:48 am

    I’m getting complete knee replacement I cannot walk at all my surgeon cancelled my first surgery because I was smoking now he is letting me get surgery if I have a low nicotine level it is on the 30th for the blood test and I’m smoking 3 cigarettes a day will I pass?

  • Terri

    October 18, 2018 at 11:40 am

    I’m having a test where you blow into a tube it’s like a field serbrioty so i test. How many days should I quit before test?

  • Lisa L Hogan

    October 17, 2018 at 11:05 pm

    I’m having surgery Dec. 3rd.
    I was smoking a pack a day, now down to 2 a day…little puffs all day with-in the 2 cigs.
    If I go for a urine test on the 16th of Nov. and only smoke total of 2 cigs per day will it show up for my pre opp?
    I drink water enough to drown and can take a Lasix to flush out kidneys.
    Think I’ll pass?

  • Amy

    October 11, 2018 at 3:21 pm

    I smoked 1 cigarette Saturday the 6th and had a Cotinine test done Wednesday the 10th. (I forgot about it) However, I took like 5 puffs. Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday I drank over a gallon of water each day, ate oranges and lemons , went to spin class for over an hour a day plus other work outs and sat in the sauna. A lot of sweat and water. I had not smoked a long time before that. Is it possible I pass the test?

    • jasom

      November 6, 2018 at 12:46 pm

      Did you get your results,,, ls let us know if u have failed or not

  • Brenda Grenzeback

    September 27, 2018 at 4:14 pm

    I havent smoked at all for 3wks cold Turkey,will I pass a cotinine test for surgery

    • Gary

      October 9, 2018 at 4:02 pm

      Yes you will pass.

  • Paul Simon

    September 6, 2018 at 5:10 pm

    thank you .. I’am Paul Simon.

  • Mike

    September 4, 2018 at 8:32 pm

    Really is your life worth that little! HMOG!

  • Shannon

    August 2, 2018 at 12:39 pm

    I’m getting a blood test in two days but it’s not for cotinine or nicotine levels. They’re looking at my kidneys and liver for the medication I take. If they aren’t looking for nicotine or cotinine, can they still see it? I also haven’t smoked in two days so it will be 4 days total without smoking when it comes time for my test. Someone please answer quick

  • Blah

    July 7, 2018 at 1:57 pm

    Hey, im 17. Im getting drug tested in a week and i dont do drugs but im just wondering if nictoine shows up in drug tests or no because this for pre employment.

  • Wanda R Beck

    June 29, 2018 at 5:43 pm

    I’m getting a blood test checking for smoking on the 3rd of July. I haven’t smoked for 4 days is that enough time to be clean

  • Shelley hollick

    June 1, 2018 at 7:24 am

    Yes u can

  • gigi

    March 6, 2018 at 3:48 am

    All you need to do is drink water. I was a pack a day smoker I quit for 3 days and drank a gallon of water each day and took a vitamin the day of the test that turn my pee yellow and PASS!!! This was for the Cleveland Clinic!

  • Linda

    December 20, 2017 at 8:20 pm

    Today is December 20. I had to quit on November 30 because I’m having back surgery and a fusion on January 16th. The doctor won’t do surgery if I don’t stop smoking. I had to go for a nicotine blood test today, December 20th. Is it ok if I have a couple cigarettes today? My next nicotine blood test is January 8th, a week before the surgery. I just wanted to smoke today and then that’s it forever. Please let me know. Thanks