What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're trying to confirm tobacco or nicotine exposure, whether for yourself or to check on secondhand smoke exposure in your environment. It's also useful if you're working on quitting smoking or vaping and want an objective way to track your progress. Some people also use it to meet employer, insurance, or legal requirements that ask for proof of nicotine-free status.

What's included in this test?

This test measures nicotine itself along with two of its breakdown products, cotinine and 3-OH cotinine. Nicotine shows very recent exposure since it clears from the body quickly, while the metabolites stick around longer and give a wider window to detect tobacco or nicotine use, including passive exposure to secondhand smoke.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results show up in your account with each value explained alongside its normal range, so you can see exactly where you stand. If nicotine or its metabolites show up unexpectedly, next steps might include reviewing any sources of secondhand smoke exposure or adjusting a cessation plan, then retesting in a few weeks to check progress. You can download a standard lab report straight from your account any time you need it. The trends feature also lets you track your levels over multiple tests, which is helpful if you're monitoring a quit-smoking journey.

How can I naturally support nicotine clearance from my body?

Staying well hydrated helps your body flush out nicotine and its byproducts faster through your kidneys. Regular exercise and a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can support your liver's ability to break down nicotine more efficiently. Avoiding further tobacco or vape exposure, including secondhand smoke, is the most effective way to lower your levels over time.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically ready within about 7 days of your sample being collected at the lab. You'll get a notification once they're posted to your account so you can log in and view them right away.

Who should consider this test?

Anyone wanting to confirm their own or someone else's tobacco exposure status is a good candidate for this test. This includes people quitting smoking who want to track progress, those concerned about secondhand smoke exposure at home or work, and individuals who need documentation for employment, insurance, or legal purposes.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

You might consider this test if you're experiencing frequent coughing, shortness of breath, or a lingering smoky smell despite not smoking yourself, which can point to secondhand exposure. Cravings, irritability, or difficulty quitting nicotine products are also good reasons to check your levels. Some people test simply to verify compliance with a smoke-free commitment.

What does a high nicotine or cotinine result mean?

A high result usually means recent active tobacco or nicotine product use, since cotinine levels rise quickly after exposure and stay elevated for days. It can also reflect heavy secondhand smoke exposure in rare cases, though those levels are usually much lower than active use. If your result is higher than expected, consider reviewing recent exposure sources and retesting after avoiding tobacco for a few weeks.

What causes an unexpectedly high result if I don't smoke?

Frequent exposure to secondhand or thirdhand smoke, such as living with a smoker or spending time in smoky environments, can cause detectable nicotine levels. Certain nicotine replacement products like patches, gum, or lozenges will also show up on this test. Vaping or using nicotine pouches counts as active exposure too, even if you don't smoke traditional cigarettes.

How often should I retest?

If you're actively quitting, retesting every few weeks can help you track your progress and stay motivated. For secondhand exposure concerns, testing after making changes to your environment, like removing smoking indoors, can confirm whether your exposure has actually gone down. There's no need to retest frequently if you're simply confirming a one-time exposure status.

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 & Cotinine Blood Test for Tobacco Exposure

Nicotine and Expanded Metabolites, LC/MS/MS

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's included in this test?

What happens after I get my results?

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

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Nicotine & 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