Nicotine testing is a process used to determine the presence and level of nicotine or its metabolite, cotinine, in a person’s system. These tests are employed in various settings, including pre-employment screenings, insurance applications, and medical evaluations. The detection of nicotine indicates exposure to tobacco products or nicotine replacement therapies.
Assessing nicotine levels can be crucial for monitoring smoking cessation progress, verifying compliance with smoke-free policies, and evaluating risk factors for certain health conditions. Understanding the duration and intensity of nicotine exposure provides valuable insights for healthcare professionals and employers alike. Historically, identifying tobacco use relied on self-reporting, which could be unreliable; objective testing offers a more accurate assessment.