Typical detection
Around 2–4 days
Results
Usually 5 working days
Attendance
Walk-in after confirmation
What Does a Urine Cotinine Test Detect?
The test measures cotinine within a urine sample.
Your body produces cotinine after processing nicotine.
It provides objective evidence of recent nicotine exposure.
Who Is This Cotinine Test For?
Health Insurance
Support insurance or underwriting nicotine-testing requirements.
Personal Monitoring
Check recent nicotine exposure during smoking cessation.
Workplace Requirements
Meet requested tobacco-free workplace testing requirements.
Legal Requirements
Provide documented testing when standard reporting is accepted.
Confirm the required reporting standard before ordering.
Can Cotinine Detect Smoking or Vaping?
Cotinine can follow smoking, vaping or nicotine replacement.
Nicotine pouches and other nicotine products also affect results.
The test cannot distinguish between these nicotine sources.
Which Cotinine Test Do You Need?
Choose the option matching your required evidence.
| Test |
Sample |
Coverage |
Common purpose |
| Urine cotinine test |
Urine |
Recent nicotine exposure |
Insurance, workplace or personal testing |
| Blood cotinine test |
Blood |
Recent nicotine exposure |
When blood testing is requested |
| Chain-of-custody testing |
As agreed |
Formally documented collection |
Court or other formal evidence |
How Long Is Cotinine Detectable in Urine?
Cotinine is typically detectable for two to four days.
The detection period varies considerably between individuals.
Detection can sometimes extend to around seven days.
Nicotine use, metabolism and collection timing affect detection.
What Is Cotinine?
Cotinine is a primary metabolite of nicotine.
It lasts longer than nicotine and supports exposure testing.
What Does the Result Mean?
Below 50 ng/ml: usually negative or minimal exposure.
50–500 ng/ml: equivocal and may require repeat testing.
Above 500 ng/ml: usually consistent with significant nicotine exposure.
The final laboratory report provides the authoritative interpretation.
What the Result Cannot Show
It cannot identify smoking, vaping or replacement therapy.
It cannot calculate precisely how much nicotine was used.
Passive nicotine exposure can influence lower results.
A negative result cannot exclude older nicotine exposure.
How Your London Cotinine Test Works
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Order online. Enter the client’s details securely within your cart.
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Await confirmation. We send attendance instructions by text and email.
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Attend Patient Reception. Bring your original passport or driving licence.
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Provide your urine sample. Staff supply the collection container.
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Receive your result. We email the doctor-reviewed report securely.
Attend Patient Reception in Central London
Address
The Doctors Laboratory
76 Wimpole Street
London W1G 9RT
Opening Hours
Monday–Friday: 7am–7pm
Saturday: 7am–1pm
Sunday: 8am–11am
Attendance
Walk in during opening hours after receiving confirmation.
Bring original photo identification. Phone images and photocopies are unacceptable.
Results and Turnaround
Results usually arrive within five working days.
Collection time and laboratory processing may affect turnaround.
A doctor reviews results before secure email delivery.
Why Choose Drug Test London?
Targeted Testing
Measure cotinine for recent nicotine exposure.
Accredited Laboratory
Testing uses UKAS-accredited The Doctors Laboratory.
Useful Reporting
Receive a measured result with laboratory interpretation.
Secure Reporting
A doctor reviews reports before secure delivery.
Cotinine Urine Test Questions
What does a cotinine test detect?
It measures a primary nicotine metabolite within urine.
Can it detect vaping?
Yes. Nicotine-containing vaping can produce measurable cotinine.
Does nicotine replacement affect results?
Yes. Patches, gum and other nicotine products can affect results.
How long is cotinine detectable?
Usually two to four days, sometimes around seven days.
What does an equivocal result mean?
The result cannot confirm positive or negative exposure.
Is this a chain-of-custody test?
No. Choose chain-of-custody testing for formal evidence requirements.
Do I need an appointment?
No. Walk in after receiving your attendance confirmation.
Do I need photo identification?
Yes. Bring an original passport or driving licence.
Book Your Cotinine Urine Test Today
Order online and receive your London attendance confirmation.
Book Your Cotinine Test
