Cotinine Saliva Test

What is Cotinine?
Cotinine is an alkaloid found in tobacco and is also a metabolite of nicotine. It is produced when the body metabolizes nicotine after ingestion. Cotinine is used as a biomarker for exposure to tobacco and is typically detectable for several days after the use of tobacco.

How accurate is the iScreen OFD?
iScreen OFD has been cleared by the U.S. FDA as substantially equivalent to the lab-based saliva test currently employed for workplace testing. Analysis of known cotinine-positive and know cotinine-negative saliva sample showed 97.6% sensitivity (ability for the test to correctly identify positive specimens) and >99% specificity (ability for the test to correctly identify negative specimens). By comparison, the lab-based saliva test showed 90.5% sensitivity and 98.0% specificity.

Can second-hand smoke trigger a false positive?
The level of cotinine required to trigger a positive results (30ng/mL) would require a significant exposure to Second Hand Smoke (SHS) and is high enough to eliminate most potential false positive from SHS.

When should we use Nicotine Testing?
An increasing number of employers are choosing to implement randomized nicotine testing in an effort to discourage dishonesty when a premium differential, incentive, or tobacco surcharge is implemented. In states where the law allows it, nicotine testing may also be used by companies who have a no-hire policy for tobacco users.

How is the test administered?
Professional, trained staff members can conveniently administer the tests at the worksite and obtain results within 10 minutes. Each test comes with detailed instructions.

What happens if an employee tests positive for cotinine?
When an employee tests positive for cotinine, we refer to it as a “presumptive positive”. To verify the result, a confirmation test may be required by law when employment decisions are being made, and is recommended if the test is being used to determine eligibility for insurance premiums.