What is the Origin of Nicotine Testing?

The practice originated in toxicology and forensic science for determining tobacco exposure, later becoming standard in life insurance underwriting and workplace wellness programs. The clinical relevance in hormonal health stems from the known vasoconstrictive and endocrine-disrupting effects of nicotine, which can impair thyroid function and steroid hormone metabolism. Cotinine, with its longer half-life, is the preferred biomarker for sustained exposure.

What is the Mechanism of Nicotine Testing?

The testing mechanism relies on immunoassays or chromatography to quantitatively measure the concentration of cotinine, a stable metabolite of nicotine produced by the liver enzyme CYP2A6. High cotinine levels indicate recent or chronic tobacco use, which is a physiological stressor that can elevate cortisol, impair insulin sensitivity, and negatively affect the vascular endothelium. This diagnostic tool provides clinicians with objective data to inform personalized health and risk assessments.

Nicotine Testing

Meaning

Nicotine testing is a clinical diagnostic procedure used to detect the presence of nicotine and its primary metabolite, cotinine, in biological fluids such as blood, urine, or saliva. This screening is often utilized in health and wellness programs, especially those offering differential pricing or eligibility based on tobacco-free status, as smoking significantly impacts hormonal and cardiovascular health. It serves as an objective measure of tobacco use or exposure.