Testing For Smoking using Cotinine Drug Test Kits
Nicotine is one of the most commonly used dugs in the UK. It is a chemical that you find in tobacco. When tobacco is smoked by an individual, the nicotine is absorbed by the lungs. When chewed, it is absorbed by the skin in the mouth. Either way, nicotine reaches the brain in a matter of second. Nicotine mimics acetylcholine, a chemical naturally found in the brain, and binds to acetylcholine receptor molecules. Some of the receptors are located in the brain’s pleasure centre, which would explain some of the euphoric effects of nicotine. Cotinine drug test kits are used as a way of detecting recent tobacco usage in a person. These types of urine drug tests detect Cotinine, which is a metabolite of nicotine.
Workplace Drug Testing
Testing by employers for tobacco or nicotine use is one of the top five trends in UK drug testing. It is also one of the top 10 most addictive legal drugs. Employers should always ask for your consent for workplace drug testing, including when testing for smoking. In today’s world where nicotine is consumed in various forms, the cotinine test cannot distinguish cigarette smoking from the use of other nicotine products. These include nicotine patches, nicotine gum, and nicotine vapes.
Nicotine is a drug that is often used by young people. Some argue that it is a gateway drug to strong drugs of abuse. Experts will argue strongly both for and against this argument. However, drug testing of young people is now becoming more common, including drug testing in schools.
Nicotine drug testing in schools is on the rise. Some learning institutions in the US have resorted to using nicotine drug test kits in order to combat the vaping epidemic amongst young people.
How Nicotine Causes Addiction
It’s no secret that nicotine is highly addictive. 90% of smokers say they want to quit, but have been unsuccessful. Nicotine withdrawal causes irritability, anxiety, inability to concentrate, and insomnia. Second hand cigarette smoke contains a number of harmful chemicals, including tar and carbon monoxide. Smoking is a leading cause of heart and lung disease, and is responsible for approximately a quarter of cancers in the UK.
In the UK, the NHS offers a number of free services that can help people to quit smoking.
Using a Cotinine Drug Test Kit
There are many ways of detecting nicotine use. The best way to determine whether an individual uses tobacco or other nicotine products is by using nicotine drug test kits. This is the most commonly used test because it available over the counter at any pharmacy, so it is easy to get. The test detects cotinine, one of the bi-products of nicotine metabolism.
The cotinine drug test kit works much like any other urine drug test. First you will need to obtain a sample of urine. You then dip the test briefly into the urine. Or drop a sample of urine into the test cassette using the pipette provided. The test is then left for five minutes. When the time is up, you can read the result. The test is positive if the strip detects more than 200ng/ml of cotinine. This is the standard cut off used by most employers on a workplace drug test kit. You will find that the results from the nicotine test kit are highly reliable when the instructions are followed correctly.
Testing Young People For Drugs
Nicotine is often a young persons first experience of using drugs and parents are rightly concerned if their child has been smoking or vaping. A nicotine drug test can be used as a way of protecting young people from drugs.
In the UK recently there have been calls by some politicians to raise the legal smoking age to 21. This move would protect young people and bring the UK into line with many other countries and cities around the world.
How Long the Test Can Detect Nicotine
A nicotine drug test kit actually tests for cotinine, so is actually a Cotinine Drug Test Kit.
When you smoke or vape, you are absorbing nicotine. As this substance enters your body, it begins to be metabolised into cotinine. Cotinine is excreted into the urine along with other waste products from the body. Nicotine, or rather, cotinine, is detectable in the urine for about 3 to 4 days after use, though this varies in some circumstances.
In passive smokers, the nicotine may be detected 2 to 3 weeks after last contact. Nicotine from smoking menthol cigarettes may also be detected a little bit longer than regular cigarettes.
How to Remove Nicotine Effectively
Nicotine is a highly addictive stimulant that can cause some unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Despite withdrawal, quitting is possible. There are many benefits in giving up smoking. Here are some ways to rid your body of nicotine more quickly and make withdrawal easier:
- You should drink plenty of water. Drinking lots of water helps stimulate the body to process and release nicotine into the urine.
- Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Fresh produce is high in antioxidants, fibre, and water. The fibre and water help your body remove the nicotine. The antioxidants help your body to repair the damage done by using tobacco products.
- Make sure you get plenty of exercise. Exercise will improve your circulation. Also, it gives your body the opportunity to release toxins via your sweat glands.
- Eat foods that increase bile production in the liver. You can choose foods such as garlic, onion, and egg yolks. Bile helps the body remove nicotine and other toxins.
Another effective way to remove nicotine from your body is to take natural supplements. These supplements can help reduce cravings and ease withdrawal symptoms. Some of these supplements include vitamin C, vitamin E, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids. Consult with your doctor before adding any supplements to your diet.
Additionally, consider trying alternative therapies such as acupuncture or meditation. These therapies have been known to reduce stress and anxiety, which are common triggers for smoking. They may also help with nicotine withdrawal symptoms.
Finally, surround yourself with a support system. Quitting smoking can be challenging, but having a supportive network of friends and family can make the process easier. Join a support group or talk to an expert if you need additional help.
In conclusion, removing nicotine from your body can be achieved through a combination of healthy habits and natural supplements. Don’t hesitate to seek help if you’re struggling – quitting smoking is worth the effort for your overall health and well-being.
Photo Credit: “Nicotine” (CC BY 2.0) by lydia_shiningbrightly
Zoom Testing is a leading UK drug testing company and a supplier of Drug Test Kits.
This post was originally published in 2015. It was last updated in November 2024.
