Urine cotinine test
Quick answer: A urine cotinine test checks for cotinine, a substance the body makes from nicotine. It shows recent tobacco or nicotine use, including smoking, chewing tobacco, vaping or heavy second-hand smoke.
- SampleUrine
- TakesA few minutes to give the sample
- Before the testNo special preparation is usually needed; tell staff about any nicotine gum or patches you use.
- In fertility careSmoking lowers fertility in women and men and reduces IVF success, so stopping tobacco use is advised before treatment.
How the test is done
- 1You give a urine sample in a clean container
- 2The lab tests for cotinine, usually with a strip or immunoassay
- 3Some labs measure the exact amount
- 4The result shows whether there has been recent nicotine exposure
What your results can mean
Reading your report
Results are usually reported as negative or positive; discuss them with your doctor.
If the result is outside the usual range
A positive result means nicotine exposure, which can come from smoking, chewing tobacco, vaping, nicotine gum or patches, or heavy second-hand smoke. A negative result means no recent exposure above the cut-off.
Who usually has this test
People in stop-smoking programmes, some people before surgery or insurance checks, and couples where tobacco use may affect fertility.
Risks and aftercare
There are no risks from giving the sample.
Names and options
Also called: UCT, nicotine test, smoking test
Listed by the hospital as
- URINE COTININE TEST (UCT)
Questions about this test
Does chewing tobacco show on a cotinine test?
Yes, any product with nicotine, including gutka, khaini, chewing tobacco and vaping liquids, can cause a positive result. Nicotine gums and patches do too.
How long does cotinine stay in urine?
Cotinine can usually be found for several days after nicotine use, and longer in regular users. The exact time varies from person to person.
Why does tobacco matter when trying to conceive?
Smoking in either partner can lower fertility and the chance of success with IVF. Support to stop is available, so ask your doctor.
Related tests
Tamara Hospital & IVF Centre, Rajajinagar
34/3, 10th Cross Road, opp. Vardhaka Sardar Patel School, 1st N Block, 2nd Stage, Rajajinagar, Bengaluru 560010
The hospital is open 24 hours. Call before you come to check the timing for your scan or sample collection.
Get directions ↗IVF Pulse fertility care at Tamara Hospital →
Reception
Waiting area
IVF lab
This page explains each test in general terms so you know what to expect. It is not medical advice: your doctor decides which tests you need and what your results mean. Reference ranges differ between laboratories. Updated 4 November 2026.