Nicotine test (urine cotinine) in Chiswick

What the test measures

When nicotine enters the body, the liver converts most of it into cotinine. Cotinine stays in the body much longer than nicotine itself, so it is a more reliable sign of nicotine exposure. In urine it can usually be detected for several days after use, and sometimes longer in people who use nicotine heavily.

This test detects cotinine from any nicotine source, including cigarettes, cigars, shisha, vapes, nicotine pouches and nicotine replacement therapy such as patches and gum. It cannot tell these sources apart, and heavy exposure to second-hand smoke can also produce a low positive result.

The price includes the sample taken at our Chiswick clinic, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a practitioner review of your result, and a GP feedback report on request.

Who it is for

• Your insurer or employer has asked for evidence of non-smoker status.
• You have stopped smoking or vaping and want an objective check of your progress.
• You are preparing for surgery or fertility treatment and have been asked to confirm you are nicotine free.
• You live with a smoker and want to understand your exposure to second-hand smoke.
• You want a confidential result to discuss with a practitioner.

Understanding your result

A negative result means cotinine was not detected above the laboratory cut-off, suggesting no significant recent nicotine exposure. A positive result shows recent nicotine exposure, and the level can give a rough guide to how much. Your report shows the cut-off used by the laboratory.

Because nicotine replacement therapy also produces cotinine, a positive result does not mean someone has been smoking. Your practitioner will discuss the result with you in a non-judgemental way, and a result is information to support your goals, not a judgement.

Preparing for your test

You can keep to your normal meals beforehand. You will give a urine sample at our Chiswick clinic in a sterile container provided by us; a sample from any time of day is suitable. Please tell us if you use nicotine replacement therapy or any medicines, and if you have stopped using nicotine, let us know roughly when. If you would like help to stop smoking, the NHS offers free local stop-smoking support.

If you are looking at your health more widely after stopping smoking, our cholesterol tests and full blood count can be useful. You can also see every blood test and price in Chiswick.

Questions

How much is a nicotine test in Chiswick?

The Nicotine Test (urine cotinine) costs £49. It includes the urine sample at our Chiswick clinic, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a practitioner review of your result, and a GP feedback report on request.

How long does cotinine stay in urine?

Cotinine is usually detectable for several days after nicotine use, and can be detectable for longer after heavy, regular use.

Will nicotine patches or vapes show up?

Yes. The test detects cotinine from any nicotine source, so patches, gum, vapes and pouches will all give a positive result.

Can second-hand smoke cause a positive result?

Heavy exposure can produce a low level of cotinine. Your practitioner will take this into account when explaining your result.