Blood. Blood tests can detect nicotine as well as its metabolites, including cotinine and anabasine. Nicotine itself may be present in the blood for only 48 hours, while cotinine may be detectable for up to three weeks. After blood is drawn in a lab, results can take from two to 10 days.

Although a blood test is an invasive procedure, measuring cotinine in the blood is the most reliable way to detect nicotine use. It is also the preferred method for determining nicotine exposure among nonsmokers (passive smoking ).

Nicotine blood tests measure nicotine or its main byproduct, cotinine, in the blood. These tests provide accurate results for confirming nicotine use. Doctors often use them to monitor health, track smoking cessation progress, or verify nicotine abstinence for job screenings or insurance purposes.

The blood test that detects nicotine is called a cotinine test. It measures recent tobacco use and exposure. Cotinine is a chemical that comes from the breakdown of nicotine in the body.