Samples sent to us for analysis

Although the test has been designed to be a point-of-care test, it can also be used as a simple, inexpensive laboratory test for smoking. We have used the test in this way with a large university department who are investigating an intervention to reduce smoking in pregnancy (Tob Cont 2003; Addiction 2003; Addiction 2005). In this case sample collecting materials were sent out with return addressed envelopes. the samples were received and analysed in-house and the data colected and returned to the investigating officer at pre-arranged intervals.

We have also investigated the role of smoking in male infertility. The test results showed nicotine intake was not related to either abnormal sperm motility or morphology. This quantitative study dispelled the previous hypothesis that smoking reduced fertility by damaging sperm. Again samplkes were collected from donors and analysed in the laboratory. The research subjects  were not made aware of their test results.

In a similar way the urine test was also used to assess the validity of self-reported smoking in patients with diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, plastic surgery and respiratory disease.