Cotinine and other nicotine metabolite analysis with Smokescreen

We have developed a point-of-care test for cotinine and the other nicotine breakdown products called SmokeScreen. Details of the early development were first published in 1996. (Clin Chim Acta 1996)

Measurement of nicotine metabolites is significantly more reliable in determining smoking habit than self reported cigarette consumption and is more specific and longer lasting than carbon monoxide monitoring.

SmokeScreen is a rapid colorimetric test which detects nicotine and all its breakdown products, with a positive sample turning a pink/orange colour. (figure 1) The test can be used in three ways: observing a colour change will tell whether the sample is from a smoker or not. This test takes 6-minutes.

A colour chart for a semi-quantitative assessment of nicotine intake can be used, (figure 2) or a dedicated Analyzer will quantify nicotine metabolite concentration against a cotinine standard in under 4-minutes. (figure 3)

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

The quantitative test results are comparable to independent laboratory measurements of cotinine.

SmokeScreen is a simple-to-use, inexpensive disposable test which can assess baseline smoking and monitor adherence to anti-smoking advice.

The test can be used in clinics and doctor's surgeries to provide feedback to patients for them to assess their level of smoking and how well they are cutting down or clearing nicotine from their system.

SmokeScreen is an ideal test for use by insurance companies to verify smoking status declared on insurance application forms.

If you have any questions about SmokeScreen please go to the FAQ's section.