Detection of Nicotine and Its Metabolites in Urine

Official Publication Of The American Academy Of Health Behavior

Amruta R. Eswara, PhD
Saraswathy V. Nochur, PhD
Donald J. Mossman

ABSTRACT: A simple strip test has been developed for the detection of nicotine and its metabolites in urine. The NicCheck® I test yields a pink color on the test strip within 30 minutes, providing a semi-quantitative measure of tobacco consumption. When tested on urine from smokers and nonsmokers, the test was determined to have an overall sensitivity and specificity of 99% when compared to an EIA for cotinine determination. The test detects both nicotine and cotinine, as well as a number of other nicotine metabolites, thus providing a more complete indication of overall tobacco consumption. Based on its simplicity, accuracy, and ease of use, the test could conceivably have several applications.