Non-smokers and Nicotine Tests

[seasidesoul]

Does anyone know how sensitive these tests are?

I'm a non-smoker - I've never picked up a cigarette in my life. I currently work at a bar that allows smoking. Last night was my last shift, and I was exposed to cigarette smoke for a few hours. I needed to work this shift in order to make rent this month.

On Monday, I have a nicotine test. It didn't even register to me that second-hand smoke could be show up as a positive on this test, and now I'm super worried. Does anyone have any info regarding the accuracy of these tests? If I was exposed to secondhand smoke on a Friday night, could I test positive on a Monday morning? I can't tell if I'm just being paranoid, or if I should actually worry.

I'm glad to be starting a job where I won't have to worry about being exposed to cigarettes!

[klone, MSN, RN]

Cotinine tests are typically quantitative, and there is a threshold of positive that they realize comes from passive exposure. Active smoking causes a much higher level. I wouldn't worry about it.

Here's a link to reference values, and what one would typically see with passive vs. active exposure.

NICOU - Clinical: Nicotine and Metabolites, Urine

[seasidesoul]

Cotinine tests are typically quantitative, and there is a threshold of positive that they realize comes from passive exposure. Active smoking causes a much higher level. I wouldn't worry about it.

Here's a link to reference values, and what one would typically see with passive vs. active exposure.

NICOU - Clinical: Nicotine and Metabolites, Urine

Thanks for the link and the reassurance! I get nervous about things like this even when I know I'm not in the wrong.