What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're trying to confirm tobacco or nicotine exposure, whether for personal health tracking, a cessation program, or an employer or insurance requirement. It's also useful if you want to check how much secondhand smoke exposure might be affecting you. Many people use it to verify they've stayed smoke-free after quitting.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results show up in your account with the normal ranges explained so you know exactly what your nicotine and cotinine levels mean. If levels are higher than expected, next steps might include cutting back on tobacco products or nicotine replacement therapy and retesting in a few weeks to track your progress. You can download a standard lab report anytime from your account, and the trends feature lets you compare results over time if you're working on quitting.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

You might consider this test if you're experiencing cravings, irritability, or trouble sleeping that could be tied to nicotine use or withdrawal. It's also worth checking if you've been around heavy secondhand smoke and want to know your exposure level. Some people test simply to confirm compliance with a smoke-free commitment.

How can I naturally reduce nicotine exposure?

Avoiding smoking areas, vaping, and secondhand smoke are the most direct ways to lower your levels. Staying hydrated and eating a balanced diet can help your body clear nicotine and its byproducts faster. Regular exercise and stress-management techniques like deep breathing can also reduce cravings that lead to tobacco use.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically ready within about 7 days of your sample being tested. Once ready, they'll be posted directly to your account, and you'll get a notification so you can log in and review them right away.

Who should consider this test?

This test is a good fit for anyone trying to quit smoking or vaping and wanting proof of progress, people exposed to heavy secondhand smoke, and those who need documentation of tobacco-free status for work, insurance, or personal reasons. It's also useful for people monitoring a household member's smoking cessation efforts.

What is cotinine and why does it matter?

Cotinine is a byproduct your body makes when it processes nicotine, and it sticks around in your blood much longer than nicotine itself—up to several days. Because of this longer window, cotinine is the more reliable marker for figuring out how much tobacco exposure you've had recently, even if you haven't smoked in the last day or two.

What does a high cotinine result mean?

A high cotinine level usually means recent and possibly regular exposure to nicotine, whether from direct smoking, vaping, or heavy secondhand smoke. If your result is higher than you expected, consider reducing time around smokers, switching to nicotine-free alternatives, or reaching out to a cessation program. Retesting after a few weeks of reduced exposure can help you see if your efforts are working.

What causes unexpectedly high nicotine or cotinine levels?

The most common cause is direct tobacco or vape use, but heavy, prolonged secondhand smoke exposure can also raise levels noticeably. Some nicotine replacement products, like patches or gum, will also show up on this test, so factor that in if you're using them to quit.

How often should I retest?

If you're actively trying to quit, retesting every 4-6 weeks can help you track your progress and stay motivated. If you're testing for compliance or exposure verification, follow the specific timeline required by whoever requested proof of your status. Otherwise, testing once to establish a baseline and again after major lifestyle changes is usually enough.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Nicotine & Cotinine Test - Tobacco Exposure Check

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

[email protected]

Nicotine and Cotinine Blood Test for Tobacco Exposure

Nicotine and Cotinine, Serum/Plasma

Prescription & all lab fees included

Doctor's guidance included

Fast & convenient

Prescription & all lab fees included

Doctor's guidance included

Fast & convenient

What's this test for?

What happens after I get my results?

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Here’s why 1,000,000+ customers chose us for affordable hassle-free private blood testing.

Find a lab near you

Nicotine and Cotinine Blood Test for Tobacco Exposure

Prescription & all lab fees included

Doctor's guidance included

Fast & convenient

1,000,000+ blood tests later, here's what our customers say