Nicotine (Qualitative) Test

Nicotine test is often done to assess tobacco use. It can be analysed both qualitatively and quantitatively. Qualitative analysis is done to find the presence or absence of nicotine, whereas quantitative analysis is done to find the concentration of the substance present. A urine or blood nicotine test is usually done when the patient experiences an overdose of nicotine. Long-term use of or exposure to nicotine can lead to heart disease, COPD, lung cancer, respiratory infections and stroke. It can also trigger asthma and spur blood clot formation.

There is no special preparation required before the text. Depending on the specimen used, the blood, urine or saliva are taken for the test.

Nicotine (qualitative) test is used when there is mild or serious nicotine poisoning. The symptoms of mild poisoning include vomiting, weakness, dizziness, nausea and drooling. Those of serious poisoning include abdominal cramps, confusion, convulsions increased blood pressure, burning sensation in the mouth, muscular twitching, seizures, etc.

For nicotine (qualitative) test enzyme multiplied immunoassay technique is used. The blood is drawn or the urine or saliva sample is received from the patient and is tested for the presence of nicotine. Interpretation: In blood, the levels of nicotine can rise quickly right after a few seconds of taking in a puff. This rise depends on the manner the patient smokes and the level of nicotine present in the cigarette. Genetics plays a role in metabolising nicotine in the body, which differs for each person.