How Long Does Cotinine Stay In The System?

Posted on Mon, 26 Sep 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 26 Sep 2016 Answered on

Tue, 18 Oct 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : How long to pass a urine cotitine test. I have Been smoke free for 4 days? Thank you

Answered by Dr. Vasudha (56 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Normal smoking 6 days.

Detailed Answer:
Hi Lreust,
Thanks for the query under Health care magic. I have read it & understood your concern.
Cotitine is a Nicotine metabolite & is used as an indicator of nicotine levels in body of smokers.
Cotitine disappears from blood after 4 days of abstinence ( stopping the smoking ) .. so the level remains detectable in urine till 4- days after withdrawal of smoking. To be on safer side,one can delay the test by couple of more days & be sure of the results.
Please note- This may take longer up to 15- 20 days in case of passive smokers/ use of menthol cigarettes.
* So if you are not a passive smoker/ not using menthol cigarette.. you can pass the cotitine urine test by 4-6 days of stopping cigarettes... otherwise wait for 15- 20 days withdrawal to take the test.
I hope that answers your query. Any follow up query is welcome.
Thanks.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar