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Rapid urine testing for Nicotine and Tobacco exposure screening
The Cotinine Cassette is a rapid immunoassay test that detects cotinine – the primary metabolite of nicotine – in urine. As the main breakdown product of nicotine from tobacco and e-cigarettes, cotinine provides a reliable biomarker for tobacco and nicotine product use.
Results are available within minutes with no laboratory equipment required, making the test practical for smoking cessation programmes, occupational health checks and insurance or pre-employment screening.
Available in two cut-off configurations to suit different screening requirements: COT100 (100 ng/mL) for sensitive detection of light exposure; COT200 (200 ng/mL) for standard smoking status screening.
Please refer to the references page for information on drug parameters and cut‑off levels.
Product and testing parameters
*MOQ 500 - contact a member of the team for more information
Key benefits
Two cut-off configurations (100, 200 ng/mL) to suit different programme requirements
Detects cotinine - the main metabolite of nicotine, providing a reliable biomarker for tobacco and nicotine use
Rapid results in under 5 minutes with no laboratory equipment or specialist training required
Suitable for smoking cessation programmes, occupational health and pre-employment or insurance screening
Cassette format with dropper-based application for precise, consistent sample volume
Covers tobacco, cigarettes, e-cigarettes and nicotine replacement products above the relevant cut-off
About Cotinine Testing
Cotinine (3-carboxymethylnicotine) is the primary metabolite of nicotine and serves as the most reliable biomarker for tobacco and nicotine exposure. Urine cotinine testing is used in smoking cessation programmes, insurance underwriting, occupational health and pre-employment screening.
What is cotinine and why is it tested?
Cotinine is the principal metabolite of nicotine. It has a half-life of approximately 16-40 hours, making it a reliable biomarker for recent tobacco and nicotine product use. Testing cotinine is more informative than testing nicotine itself due to nicotine's very short half-life.
Which cut-off level should I use?
COT100 (100 ng/mL) is most sensitive and appropriate for detecting recent light tobacco use or nicotine replacement products. COT200 (200 ng/mL) is the most widely used threshold for standard smoking status programmes.
Will nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) cause a positive result?
At COT100, NRT users (patches, gums, inhalers) may produce a positive result. At COT500, NRT users are less likely to test positive as cotinine levels from NRT are typically lower than those from active smoking.
Can e-cigarette use be detected?
Yes. E-cigarettes deliver nicotine, which is metabolised to cotinine. E-cigarette users are likely to produce a non-negative result, particularly at the COT100 and COT200 cut-offs.
How long is cotinine detectable after smoking?
Cotinine is generally detectable in urine for 3-4 days after tobacco use in regular smokers, and may be detectable for up to 7 days in heavy smokers.
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