Beschreibung
The cotinine (COT) tobacco test is a rapid urine test for the orientation assessment of nicotine exposure. Cotinine is measured – the most important and more stable nicotine metabolite. This makes the test suitable as a screening tool to classify active consumption or relevant exposure (e.g. through smoke, vaping or nicotine replacement) at an early stage. The result can usually be read after 3-5 minutes .
The most important things in brief:
- Quick & easy: Result after 3-5 minutes.
- Markers: Cotinine as a reliable nicotine metabolite.
- Cut-off: 200 ng/ml (typical for smoker/non-smoker screenings).
- Discreet: free shipping from Switzerland in neutral packaging.
- Scope of delivery: 1 test strip & quick start guide.
How to use cotinine urine test – step by step
- Collect urine sample in a clean container (e.g. cup).
- Dip cotinine test strips into the urine sample up to the mark (not above) for about 10-15 seconds .
- Remove strips and lay flat on a clean, dry surface.
- Read the result after 3-5 minutes (after 10 minutes at the latest).
Important: Results that are read after more than 10 minutes are no longer reliable.
▶ Guide (Knowledge Area)
▶ FAQ
▶ Smoking Cessation Advice Switzerland (stopsmoking)
Interpretation of results
Negative: Two lines (C + T) visible → no indication of cotinine above the cut-off value. A weak test line (T) is usually considered negative.
Positive: Only the control line (C) visible → indication that cotinine may be above the cut-off value (e.g., due to smoking, vaping, nicotine replacement, or high exposure).
Invalid: No control line (C) visible → test invalid, please repeat with a new test strip.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cotinine (COT) Tobacco Test (FAQ)
How long is cotinine detectable in urine?
Does the test also detect e-cigarettes, snus or nicotine patches?
Can passive smoking lead to a positive result?
What does a very weak second line (T-line) mean?
Can „drinking a lot“ affect the result?
Is the test suitable for medical or legal decisions?
Quick Facts Cotinine (COT) Urine Test
| Test Type | Urine test strips (immunochromatographic rapid test) |
| Analyte | Cotinine (COT) – orientating screening of nicotine exposure |
| Cut-off / Orientation Value | 200 ng/ml |
| Sample Type | Human urine |
| Result time | approx. 3–5 minutes (read after 10 minutes at the latest) |
| Storage conditions | Store in a dry place, at room temperature (according to package leaflet/IFU) |
| Package Contents | Test Strips & Quick Start Guide |
What to do if you test positive cotinine?
A positive screening is an indication of cotinine above the cut-off – but not yet „proof“ in the laboratory diagnostic sense. These steps have proven to be effective in practice:
- Check context: Smoking, e-cigarettes, snus/nicotine pouches, hookah or nicotine substitutes (patches/chewing gum/spray) can be positive.
- Repeat the test: new sample + new test strip, keep the correct time window.
- Consider secondhand smoke: possible in case of heavy/regular exposure; Check the environment and smoking rules.
- If there may be consequences: arrange for laboratory confirmation (quantitative measurement, quality assurance).
Smoking Cessation & Counselling Switzerland: stopsmoking.ch offers free support in all national languages
(Telephone consultation: 0848 000 181).
Detectability of cotinine in urine (indicative guidelines)
Cotinine is an established biomarker because it stays in the body longer than nicotine. Detectability depends, among other things, on dose, frequency of consumption, metabolism (e.g. CYP2A6 activity), fluid intake and the cut-off used.
| Exposure profile | Typical detectability* | Hint |
| One-time/low nicotine intake | often 1–2 days | depending on dilution & metabolism |
| Regular consumption (smoking/vaping, etc.) | often 2–3 days | if you take pictures frequently, the window may look longer |
| Heavy exposure (e.g., combined, repeated) | several days possible | Cut-off and individual factors are decisive |
*Guidelines – individual deviations are possible. For authoritative statements: laboratory analysis.
What is measured in the cotinine test?
Cotinine, a main degradation product of nicotine, is measured. Cotinine is considered a particularly suitable marker for objectively recording nicotine intake and exposure to secondhand smoke, because the concentrations and half-lives are more favourable than with nicotine itself.
Important: The test is qualitative. It indicates whether cotinine could be above the cut-off – not „how much“ cotinine is present.
Influencing factors & possible „cross-reactions“
As with rapid immunological tests, sample and application factors can influence interpretation. In the cotinine test, it is also important to note that the screening reacts to the biomarker – so the form of consumption (smoking vs. vaping vs. nicotine replacement) often does not play a role in the result. The information in the manufacturer’s IFU is decisive.
| Possible influence | Why relevant? |
| Nicotine replacement therapy Band-aids, chewing gum, spray |
May lead to a positive result, as cotinine is formed from nicotine. |
| E-cigarette / heated tobacco / snus | Nicotine is also absorbed here – cotinine can be detected accordingly. |
| Secondhand smoke (regular/high) | May make cotinine measurable; whether the cut-off is exceeded depends on the extent of exposure. |
| Very highly diluted sample | May lower concentrations and reduce significance. |
| Reading time exceeded | After more than 10 minutes, non-specific effects may occur. |
| Incorrect storage/application errors | Test performance may be affected (see IFU/Package Leaflet). |
Screening test vs. laboratory analysis
This cotinine urine test is a screening (qualitative). For questions with binding consequences, a confirmatory analysis in a qualified laboratory is required (quantitative, documented, quality-assured). Biomarkers such as cotinine are used as objective markers in guidelines and epidemiological surveys – but the concrete interpretation always depends on the setting.
Subject Principles & Sources
The content is based on publicly available prescribing information on tobacco/nicotine, on laboratory medical principles on cotinine as a biomarker and on the respective manufacturer’s IFU (instructions for use). They serve to classify and do not replace individual medical or legal advice.
- FOPH – Passive smoking (health consequences)
- FOPH – Protection against passive smoking (CH Legal Framework / Overview)
- Infodrog – Tobacco & Nicotine (CH)
- stopsmoking.ch – Telephone Counselling Smoking Cessation
- CDC/NHANES – Cotinine as marker
- AWMF S3 Guideline – Smoking & Tobacco Dependence
- Review – Cotinine biomarkers / cut-off practice
- Manufacturer’s IFU (cut-off, feed-through, reading time, cross-reactions/interferences) of the respective test variant.
Important note: This product serves as an orientation screening and does not replace medical, therapeutic or legal clarification. Professional confirmation (laboratory analysis) is required for binding results.
Content editorially checked and updated on: 26.02.2026 – Toxcontrol Diagnostics
