Nicotine Poisoning Blood Test

What is Nicotine Poisoning?

Nicotine poisoning is a toxic condition that occurs when someone is exposed to excessive levels of nicotine, typically through ingestion of tobacco products, e-cigarettes, or nicotine replacement therapies. It is caused by acute nicotine toxicity that overstimulates nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the nervous system, leading to dangerous symptoms. The Nicotine and Cotinine, LC/MS/MS, Urine test is the most important test for confirming acute nicotine exposure and assessing the severity of poisoning.

RECOMMENDED TEST Nicotine and Cotinine, LC/MS/MS, Urine
What's included
Fast & easy, results by email & SMS
No extra fees paid at the lab
No need to visit a doctor
Private & confidential
No insurance needed
Results explained
Why Private MD Labs?
90-day money-back guarantee Lab order in minutes Save a trip to the doctor Low prices since 2005 Labs within 2 miles

What causes nicotine poisoning?

Nicotine poisoning is caused by acute exposure to toxic levels of nicotine that overwhelm the body's ability to process it safely. Common sources include accidental ingestion of tobacco products by children, drinking liquid nicotine from e-cigarettes, using multiple nicotine replacement products simultaneously, or exposure to nicotine-containing pesticides. Even small amounts of concentrated nicotine can be dangerous, particularly in children and pets, as nicotine is rapidly absorbed through the skin, mucous membranes, and digestive tract.

What is the best test for nicotine poisoning?

The Nicotine and Cotinine, LC/MS/MS, Urine test is the most important test for nicotine poisoning because it accurately measures both nicotine and its primary metabolite cotinine using highly sensitive mass spectrometry technology. Extremely elevated nicotine levels confirm acute toxic exposure, while cotinine levels help assess the timeline and severity of poisoning since cotinine remains in the body longer than nicotine itself. This test is particularly valuable when the exposure history is unclear or when healthcare providers need objective data to guide treatment decisions in emergency situations.

When should I get tested for nicotine poisoning?

You should get tested immediately if you or someone you know experiences symptoms like severe nausea, vomiting, excessive salivation, rapid or irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, tremors, confusion, or difficulty breathing after potential nicotine exposure. Testing is especially important for children who may have ingested tobacco products or e-cigarette liquids, as they are more vulnerable to nicotine's toxic effects. Anyone who has been exposed to concentrated nicotine sources or is experiencing unexplained severe symptoms after using multiple nicotine products should seek emergency medical attention and testing right away.

What are the symptoms of nicotine poisoning?
Symptoms of nicotine poisoning typically appear within 15 minutes to an hour after exposure and include nausea, vomiting, excessive salivation, abdominal pain, diarrhea, rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure, dizziness, headache, and sweating. In moderate to severe cases, you might experience confusion, agitation, tremors, seizures, difficulty breathing, chest pain, and changes in heart rhythm. Severe nicotine poisoning can lead to respiratory failure, coma, and potentially death if not treated promptly, making immediate medical attention critical for anyone experiencing these symptoms.
Who is at risk for nicotine poisoning?
Young children are at the highest risk for nicotine poisoning due to accidental ingestion of cigarettes, chewing tobacco, or flavored e-cigarette liquids that may smell appealing. Adults who use multiple nicotine products simultaneously, such as patches, gum, and vaping, are also at increased risk of overdose. Agricultural workers exposed to nicotine-containing pesticides, individuals who handle concentrated nicotine liquids for vaping without proper precautions, and people attempting to quit smoking using excessive amounts of nicotine replacement therapy face elevated risk as well.
What happens if nicotine poisoning is left untreated?
Untreated nicotine poisoning can progress from mild symptoms to life-threatening complications within hours. Severe cases can cause dangerously irregular heart rhythms, seizures, respiratory depression, and complete respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation. The cardiovascular effects can lead to heart attack or stroke, particularly in people with existing heart conditions. In extreme cases, especially involving children or ingestion of highly concentrated nicotine products, untreated poisoning can result in coma and death, which is why immediate emergency medical treatment is absolutely essential for any suspected nicotine overdose.
Can nicotine poisoning be diagnosed with a blood test?
Nicotine poisoning is primarily diagnosed through clinical symptoms and exposure history, but urine testing for nicotine and cotinine levels provides crucial confirmatory evidence of toxic exposure. While blood tests can also measure nicotine levels, urine testing using LC/MS/MS technology is preferred because it detects both nicotine and its longer-lasting metabolite cotinine, providing a more complete picture of exposure. These laboratory results help healthcare providers confirm the diagnosis, assess the severity of poisoning, and monitor how the body is eliminating the toxin during treatment.
How is nicotine poisoning treated?
Treatment for nicotine poisoning focuses on supportive care and preventing further absorption of nicotine. In emergency settings, healthcare providers may administer activated charcoal if ingestion occurred recently, provide intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration from vomiting, and use medications to control symptoms like nausea, seizures, or abnormal heart rhythms. Severe cases require intensive monitoring and may need respiratory support or mechanical ventilation. Decontamination of skin and eyes is performed if external exposure occurred, and continuous cardiac monitoring ensures early detection of dangerous heart rhythm changes during the acute phase.
How can I prevent nicotine poisoning?
Prevent nicotine poisoning by storing all tobacco products, e-cigarettes, and nicotine replacement products in child-proof containers out of reach of children and pets. Never leave e-cigarette liquids unattended, and always use child-resistant caps on nicotine-containing bottles. Avoid using multiple nicotine products at the same time unless specifically directed by a healthcare provider, and follow dosing instructions carefully for nicotine replacement therapy. If you work with nicotine-containing pesticides, wear appropriate protective equipment and follow safety protocols to prevent skin absorption or inhalation of toxic amounts.
What can I do at home for nicotine poisoning?
Nicotine poisoning is a medical emergency that requires immediate professional treatment rather than home remedies. If poisoning is suspected, call 911 or Poison Control immediately at 1-800-222-1222 before attempting any home interventions. While waiting for emergency help, do not induce vomiting unless instructed by poison control, remove contaminated clothing if skin exposure occurred, and rinse affected skin or eyes with water for 15 minutes. Keep the person calm and in a comfortable position, monitor their breathing and consciousness, and bring the nicotine product container to the hospital to help medical staff determine the exact exposure.
How’s this work?
Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:
  1. In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
  2. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
  3. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
  4. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
  5. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
  6. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
  7. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
  8. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.
How do I know which test to get?
In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.

Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.
Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?
Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.

Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.

There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.

Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.
Do you accept health insurance?
Only HSA & FSA is accepted.

Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.

This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.

If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
Can I cancel my order?
Yes.

We get it – sometimes your needs change.

As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.

If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

You can read more about our cancellation policy here.
How can I find a lab location near me?
During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).

Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.

If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.
Here’s how easy it is to get blood work done on your terms
Choose a checkup
Order your test Save a trip to the doctor. Your results will come with clear, friendly explanations. Takes 2 minutes
Book a lab
Book an appointment Visit any of our 4,000 nearby lab locations to have your samples collected. Book or walk-in
Choose a checkup
Get results Receive a clear, easy-to-digest health report by email & SMS within a few business days. Get answers, fast

Here’s why 1,000,000+ customers chose us for affordable hassle-free private blood testing.

You get clinical lab reports & simplified health insights.
Save time & gas, go straight to the lab. Our doctors cover the rest.
Results start landing the next day after your lab visit.*
We don’t sell or share your data. Your time & privacy matter.
US-licensed doctors have your back if things get unclear.
No hidden fees, nice discounts for regular checkups.
Save a trip to the doctor, go directly to the lab
Instant orders, results often overnight*
Results explained in simple language
Reviewed by US licensed doctors
Fast & confidential, we never sell or share your data
No insurance needed, transparent pricing
Demo results
Testosterone 375 ng/dL
Demo results
Normal Optimal 400 - 1000 High
375 ng/dL

What this means

Your testosterone levels are slightly below the optimal range. While this is not necessarily cause for concern, it may contribute to occasional fatigue, reduced motivation, or lower muscle mass over time.

* Regular blood test results (e.g., CBC) typically start arriving the next business day after sample collection. More complex tests, such as hormone panels, may take up to 10–15 business days due to their complexity.

Us vs. Them

Not overhyped or overpriced. Just comprehensive blood testing made simple and for everyone.

* Regular blood test results (e.g., CBC) typically start arriving the next business day after sample collection. More complex tests, such as hormone panels, may take up to 10–15 business days due to their complexity.

1,000,000+ blood tests later, here's what our customers say

Google reviews 505 reviews Next
Nicotine and Cotinine, LC/MS/MS, Urine
What's included
Fast & easy, results by email & SMS
No need to visit a doctor
Private & confidential
No insurance needed
Results explained
No extra fees paid at the lab

Sample results

Sample image
For you & your coach Health insights Written in human language, backed by science.
Sample image
For you & your doc Classic lab report A familiar and comprehensive lab report.

Ask AI

Your 24/7 Lab Guide

Quick questions:

Which test is right for my symptoms?
What could be causing this?
When should I get tested?
A
Hi, I'm AI. I can help you find the right test, explain results, or prepare for your visit. What can I help with?
Just now
A
AI provides insights, not medical diagnoses.