Nicotine, which is the main drug in tobacco products, is the number one used drug in the U.S. Many people do not consider nicotine to be a drug, however it is. Nicotine is highly addictive and has the properties of both a stimulant and a sedative. Nicotine, in the form of tobacco, is so widely used for one main reason, it is legal as long as you are 18 years of age or older. Tobacco is a leading cause of cancer and cardiovascular problems in the U.S.
WHAT IS COTININE?
Cotinine is the first-stage metabolite of nicotine, a toxic alkaloid that produces stimulation of the autonomic ganglia and central nervous system when in humans. Nicotine is a drug to which virtually every member of a tobacco-smoking society is exposed whether through direct contact or second-hand inhalation. In addition to tobacco, nicotine is also commercially available as the active ingredient in smoking replacement therapies such as nicotine gum, transdermal patches and nasal sprays. In a 24-hour urine, approximately 5% of a nicotine dose is excreted as unchanged drug with 10% as cotinine and 35% as hydroxycotinine; the concentrations of other metabolites are believed to account for less than 5%.1 While cotinine is thought to be an inactive metabolite, it's elimination profile is more stable than that of nicotine which is largely urine pH dependent. As a result, cotinine is considered a good biological marker for determining nicotine use.
The plasma half-life of nicotine is approximately 60 minutes following inhalation or parenteral administration.2 Nicotine and cotinine are rapidly eliminated by the kidney; the window of detection for cotinine in urine at a cutoff level of 200 ng/mL is expected to be up to 2-3 days after nicotine use.
For more information on the nicotine test - cotinine test, see our Nicotine Test FAQs - Cotinine Test Q&A
Cotinine Test - Smoker's Nicotine Test Device
Description
The COT One Step Cotinine Test Device (Urine) is a rapid urine screening test that can be performed without the use of an instrument. The test utilizes a monoclonal antibody to selectively detect elevated levels of Cotinine (metabolized nicotine) in urine. The COT One Step Cotinine Test Device (Urine) yields a positive result when the Cotinine in urine exceeds 200 ng/mL.
#CAS-COT - Cotinine
The Nicotine test is becoming quite popular today. The smokers nicotine test will test for metabolized nicotine and shows up as cotinine in the urine. We offer a urine cotinine test that will determine nicotine use. More and more employers offering health insurance benefits are requiring cotinine testing for their employees. Parents concerned for their teenagers exposed to cigarette smoke often use the cotinine tests to help deter peer pressure.
For complete specifications on the Cotinine Test Device (Click Here).
The COT One Step Cotinine Test Device (Urine) is an immunoassay based on the principle of competitive binding. Drugs which may be present in the urine specimen compete against the drug conjugate for binding sites on the antibody.
During testing, a urine specimen migrates upward by capillary action. Cotinine, if present in the urine specimen below 200 ng/mL, will not saturate the binding sites of antibody coated particles in the test device. The antibody coated particles will then be captured by immobilized Cotinine conjugate and a visible colored line will show up in the test line region. The colored line will not form in the test line region if the Cotinine level exceeds 200 ng/mL because it will saturate all the binding sites of anti-Cotinine antibodies.
A drug-positive urine specimen will not generate a colored line in the test line region because of drug competition, while a drug-negative urine specimen or a specimen containing a drug concentration less than the cut-off will generate a line in the test line region. To serve as a procedural control, a colored line will always appear at the control line region indicating that that proper volume of specimen has been added and membrane wicking has occurred.
The COT One Step Cotinine Test Device (Urine) is a lateral flow chromatographic immunoassay for the detection of Cotinine in human urine at a cut-off concentration of 200 ng/mL. This test will detect other related compounds, please refer to the Analytical Specificity table in the package insert.
This assay provides only a preliminary analytical test result. A more specific alternate chemical method must be used in order to obtain a confirmed analytical result. Gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC/MS) is the preferred confirmatory method. Clinical consideration and professional judgment should be applied to any drug of abuse test result, particularly when preliminary positive results are used.
Cotinine Test - Smoker's Nicotine Test
Nicotine Testing -or- Urine Cotinine Test
Nicotine Test Instructions - Directions for How To Use Cotinine Test Device
This is the perfect test to check for tobacco use. Our tests are used by clinics, tobacco free programs, schools, parents and individuals. To see if your own system is free of nicotine, use this simple cotinine test kit. Cotinine will typically remain in the body 2 to 4 days after the last cigarette.
Nicotine Test FAQs - Cotinine Test Questions & Answers
Q.) What is cotinine?
A.) Cotinine [COAT-e-neen] is a chemical that is made by the body from nicotine, which is found in cigarette smoke. Since cotinine can be made only from nicotine, and since nicotine enters the body with cigarette smoke, cotinine measurements can show how much cigarette smoke enters your body.
Q.) Is cotinine harmful?
A.) As far as we know, cotinine itself is not harmful. Cotinine is used simply to measure how much tobacco smoke has entered your body. However, many studies show that some of the 4,000 other chemicals found in tobacco smoke are harmful.
Q.) Why should I have a cotinine test?
A.) If you are serious about stopping or reducing your smoking, or if you are interested in the amount of smoke that has entered your body, this test can be very useful. By knowing what your starting level of cotinine is, you can see how successful your efforts to stop smoking are.
Q.) How is cotinine measured?
A.) Our Cotinine test is a simple at home test that can measure cotinine in human urine.
Q.) Why don't you just ask how much I smoke? Or just keep track?
A.) Smoking behavior varies. For example, two people could each smoke a pack of cigarettes a day. One may smoke unfiltered cigarettes, inhaling deeply with each puff, while the other may smoke a low tar, filtered cigarette, puffing lightly and smoking only half of each cigarette. The cotinine test would be able to show a difference in the amount of cigarette smoke entering the bodies of these two smokers.
Q.) How much cotinine is normal?
A.) People who do not smoke or who are not exposed to other peoples' smoke should not have measurable cotinine. People who do smoke will have a cotinine level of 10 or higher in their blood, and a typical smoker has levels of 150 to 450 units. Levels in urine are ten times higher.
Q.) How can I reduce my cotinine?
A.) The only way to reduce your cotinine level is to stop or reduce your exposure to cigarette smoke.
Q.) How long should it take for me to see a drop in my cotinine level if I stop smoking today?
A.) Depending on how high your level is to begin with, your level could drop to that of a nonsmoker in 7 to 10 days.
Q.) If I stop smoking, then start again, how soon will cotinine show up in my body?
A.) Our Cotinine test can detect cotinine as soon as one day after you've had a cigarette.
Q.) If I switch to a low nicotine cigarette, will my cotinine level drop?
A.) It might, but it depends on how you smoke low nicotine cigarettes. To satisfy a craving for nicotine, some people smoke more low nicotine cigarettes than they would regular cigarettes, and their cotinine level may actually increase.
Q.) Do nicotine patches, gum, or aerosols have an effect on cotinine levels?
A.) Because they all use nicotine, these devices can increase cotinine levels. If you are having a cotinine test, make sure that you mention on the lab slip that you are using nicotine replacement products.
Q.) What about other people's smoke? Won't my cotinine level increase if I breathe other people's smoke?
A.) If you breathe a lot of cigarette smoke even though you yourself don't smoke, your cotinine level may be higher than that of a non-smoker. If so, you should try to avoid places where there is a lot of smoke.
Q.) How can I stop smoking?
A.) There are many different ways to stop smoking, but there is no one way that's best for everybody. The cotinine test will help you to measure the success of whatever way you try. Ask your doctor for advice, or contact organizations that are experienced in helping people give up cigarettes.
Q.) Where can I buy a Cotinine test?
A.) Right here! We are one of the largest distributor of Cotinine Tests on the internet.
Q.) Why buy tests from Transmetron?
A.)
- We sell only the best test kits on the market!
- Excellent customer service. Our customer service is surpassed by none!
- Wide selection of other urine and saliva tests. We have one of the largest selections of Drug Tests on the internet, including Saliva Drug Test Kits. We also offer other tests such as Urine Menopause Test, Urine Ovulation Test - Fertility Test, and Pregnancy Tests. We offer a wide range of drug testing supplies such as gloves and cups.
Q.) What does cotinine have to do with my pregnancy?
A.) Studies show that babies born to women with high cotinine levels are more likely to be growth retarded. These smaller, weaker babies may need to spend more time in the hospital and may require special medical care. Women who smoke during pregnancy may also be at higher risk for miscarriage and other pregnancy problems.
Q.) If I reduce my cotinine level, will my baby be all right?
A.) No one can guarantee any pregnant woman that her baby will be all right, but by stopping smoking, you will be removing a cause of many pregnancy problems.
Q.) Are there any forms of tobacco that do not contain nicotine?
A.) No, they all contain nicotine. This includes pipe tobacco, cigars, snuff, chewing tobacco, etc. If you use any of these, nicotine may be detected in your system.
Q.) Can I be required to be tested for tobacco use?
A.) Since tobacco use is legal for adults, this would generally only apply to people who are court-ordered to be tested, such as for child-custody reasons. However, since smokers tend to have higher health costs and are at an increased risk for developing a variety of diseases, some health and life insurance companies may require their applicants to be tested for tobacco use prior to accepting them as clients.
Q.) Where can I find information about quitting smoking?
A.) There are many national organization and government resources available.
Q.) What kinds of nicotine replacement products are available?
A.) There are a variety of over-the-counter (OTC) products and a few that are available by prescription. OTC products include nicotine gum, patches, and lozenges. Those available by prescription include nicotine patches, inhalers, and nasal sprays. It is important to follow directions for their use and to keep them away from children. The products are intended to be used in conjunction with a smoking cessation program. Talk to your doctor about the best options for you.
Q.) What do various levels of Cotinine mean?
A.) <10 ng/mL - considered to be consistent with no active smoking
10 ng/mL to 100 ng/mL - associated with light smoking or moderate passive exposure
300+ ng/mL - heavy smokers - more than 20 cigarettes a day
Q.) What are the signs or symptoms of nicotine overdose?
A.) Acute overdoses of nicotine, such as might happen if a child ingests nicotine lozenges or gum, are relatively rare but generally require immediate medical attention. Symptoms can include a burning mouth, nausea, abdominal pain, salivating (drooling), diarrhea, sweating, confusion, dizziness, agitation, increased heart rate, rapid or difficult breathing, convulsions, coma, and even death.
Cotinine Test Information
Cotinine levels <10 ng/mL are considered to be consistent with no active smoking. Values of 10 ng/mL to 100 ng/mL are associated with light smoking or moderate passive exposure, and levels above 300 ng/mL are seen in heavy smokers - more than 20 cigarettes a day. In urine, values between 11 ng/mL and 30 ng/mL may be associated with light smoking or passive exposure, and levels in active smokers typically reach 500 ng/mL or more.
Nicotine is rapidly metabolized and has a short half-life, but cotinine is metabolized and eliminated at a much lower rate. Because of the resulting increase with time in the cotinine to nicotine ratio in the body, including in the brain, it is of interest to examine the effect of cotinine on nicotine-induced changes.
Nicotine test - cotinine assays provide an objective quantitative measure that is more reliable than smoking histories or counting the number of cigarettes smoked per day. Cotinine also permits the measurement of exposure to second-hand smoke (passive smoking).
Both major depression and depressive symptoms are associated with a high rate of nicotine dependence, and a history of major depression has an adverse impact on smoking cessation. The main objective of this study was to investigate whether continuous ingestion of nicotine affects indices of depressive behavior in the rat. The test compared cholinergic- and serotonergic-hypersensitive Flinders Sensitive Line rats (FSL), a genetic animal model of depression, with their control counterparts, Flinders Resistant Line rats (FRL). Female rats of both lines were allowed access to a solution of nicotine bitartrate (100 microg/mL) in tap water for 14 days. Subsequent behavioral testing revealed striking effects of continuous ingestion of nicotine on depressive-like behavior of both lines.
FSL and FRL rats that ingested nicotine for 14 days displayed less immobility in the 10-min forced-swim test (an index of depressive-like behavior) relative to the animals of both lines that were not exposed to nicotine orexposed to nicotine for shorter periods of time. This finding indicates that ingested nicotine has antidepressant properties that are independent of the genetic difference between FSL and FRL female rats. Animal studies on nicotine ingestion andwithdrawal may become an important source of insights into the comorbidity of depression and nicotine self-administration.
One Step Cotinine Test Device
A rapid, one step test for the qualitative detection of Cotinine (nicotine metabolite) in human urine. For Determination of Smoking Status Only.
Intended Use
The COT One Step Cotinine Test Device (Urine) is a lateral flow chromatographic immunoassay for the detection of Cotinine in human urine at a cut-off concentration of 200 ng/mL. This test will detect other related compounds, please refer to the Analytical Specificity table in this package insert.
This assay provides only a preliminary analytical test result. A more specific alternate chemical method must be used in order to obtain a confirmed analytical result. Gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC/MS) is the preferred confirmatory method. Clinical consideration and professional judgment should be applied to any drug of abuse test result, particularly when preliminary positive results are used.
Summary
Cotinine is the first-stage metabolite of nicotine, a toxic alkaloid that produces stimulation of the autonomic ganglia and central nervous system when in humans. Nicotine is a drug to which virtually every member of a tobacco-smoking society is exposed whether through direct contact or second-hand inhalation. In addition to tobacco, nicotine is also commercially available as the active ingredient in smoking replacement therapies such as nicotine gum, transdermal patches and nasal sprays. In a 24-hour urine, approximately 5% of a nicotine dose is excreted as unchanged drug with 10% as cotinine and 35% as hydroxycotinine; the concentrations of other metabolites are believed to account for less than 5%.