Test library
Nicotine Urine Screen
The nicotine urine test measures cotinine and other nicotine metabolites in urine. It is used to assess recent tobacco or nicotine exposure and often supports smoking cessation and monitoring programs.
Order Nicotine Urine Test
Order online and visit a local collection site, or choose an at-home kit where available. No referral and no insurance required.
Order Nicotine Urine Test- Typical turnaround
- 1-3 business days
- Starting price
- From $159
- Results
- Confidential, online
Quick answer
The nicotine urine test measures cotinine and related metabolites that the body forms from nicotine. Urine cotinine is a common marker because it stays detectable longer than nicotine and is easy to collect. The test is used in cessation programs, workplace or insurance monitoring, and research. A healthcare provider interprets the result with the person's history and the reason for testing.
What this test measures
When a person uses tobacco or another nicotine product, the body breaks nicotine down into several metabolites. Cotinine is the most stable and widely measured of these, and it is excreted in urine. Because cotinine remains detectable longer than nicotine itself, a urine sample can show recent exposure even after the effects of nicotine have passed. The level depends on how much and how often nicotine was used.
The test uses a urine sample, which is collected at a laboratory or collection site. The laboratory screens for cotinine and may also report nicotine or trans-3-hydroxycotinine. Results are often reported against a cutoff, and some laboratories provide a quantitative value. The cutoff helps separate expected low-level background exposure from more substantial use.
A detectable result shows that nicotine entered the body recently, from any source. It does not identify whether the nicotine came from smoking, smokeless tobacco, or a cessation product, and it does not measure impairment. Interpretation depends on the cutoff and the reason for testing. A qualified healthcare provider explains what a result does and does not indicate.
- Urine cotinine (primary nicotine metabolite)
- Urine nicotine
- Trans-3-hydroxycotinine
- Urine cotinine adjusted to creatinine when reported
- Nicotine metabolite screen against a cutoff
- Qualitative or quantitative cotinine result
Why people order this test
- Assess recent tobacco or nicotine exposure
- Support smoking cessation and monitoring programs
- Verify abstinence in a structured program
- Evaluate exposure in research or clinical settings
- Objectively document nicotine exposure with a provider
How to prepare
No fasting is required for this urine test. Follow the collection instructions provided by the laboratory. Let the testing provider know about current nicotine or tobacco product use so the result can be interpreted accurately.
Understanding your results
Results are typically reported within one to three business days. The report shows whether cotinine was detected at or above the laboratory cutoff and may include a quantitative level. A healthcare provider interprets the result with the person's history of nicotine use.
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Arkansas
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California
Nicotine Urine Screen across California.
Colorado
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Connecticut
Nicotine Urine Screen across Connecticut.
Delaware
Nicotine Urine Screen across Delaware.
Florida
Nicotine Urine Screen across Florida.
Georgia
Nicotine Urine Screen across Georgia.
Hawaii
Nicotine Urine Screen across Hawaii.
Idaho
Nicotine Urine Screen across Idaho.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the nicotine urine test measure?
It measures cotinine and related metabolites that the body produces from nicotine. Cotinine is the main marker of recent nicotine exposure.
How long does cotinine stay in urine?
Cotinine stays detectable longer than nicotine itself, but the window depends on how much and how often nicotine was used. A provider can explain what to expect.
Can the test identify the source of nicotine?
No. Cotinine reflects exposure from any source, including tobacco, smokeless products, and nicotine replacement.
Do I need to fast?
No fasting is required for a urine nicotine test. Follow the collection instructions from the laboratory.
What does a positive result mean?
It indicates recent nicotine exposure. A healthcare provider interprets the result with the history and the reason for testing.
Ready to get tested?
Order online and visit a collection site near you, or choose a mail-in kit. No referral and no insurance required.
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