Has anyone failed the nicotine blood test?

[heathermc 0]

I quit smoking, but very worried it will still show up in a blood test especially becasue I live with smokers. Has anyone failed? Do you know how long the blood test will show nicotine use?

[ParrotheadCathy 0]

Until I came on this forum, I'd never heard of a blood test for nicotine. Try googling it or something if nobody responds.

[JayTee562 1]

I haven't smoked for nearly 29 yers but I live with a smoker and if they did that kind of test...first they didn't tell me they were testing for that and second I got my surgery so I passed. Did you tell you Dr you were a smoker if so ask him how long they can tell.

[schulbaby 0]

I take it I would have to stop smoking? I didn't realize that...

[JayTee562 1]

My surgeon will not operate on you if you smoke.

[heathermc 0]

If they find any nicotine in my blood, they will automatically reschedule the blood test for 8 weeks out. I take the test next week. I will let you all know how it turns out.

Thank you!

[xavier 153]

Both nicotine and cotinine (a nicotine breakdown product) may be tested for. Cotinine has the longer half life (up to 40 hours) and it takes five half lives for anything to clear completely. So a week and you should be fine. You shouldnt get snagged for second hand because its so much less.

By the way they can also check a liver enzyme for chronic alcohol abuse and refuse you for that! I had a particular martini-drinking friend who got denied health insurance because of it...time to clean up our acts! LOL! Cali

[heathermc 0]

thank you so much for the information! I haven't had any alcohol for a month or so, so I I should be good there. My insurance has already been approved, but my doctor requires the nicotine blood test. I'm sure it will be fine. I'm a big worry wart!

Thanks again!:thumbup:

[Wordsmyth 0]

Hi Heather and all,

I recently found out that my doctor wants me to have stopped smoking for 8 weeks prior to surgery. I've stopped, but am using nicotine replacement (patches). I suppose that's just as problematic from a testing standpoint?

Heather - What happened?

[RestlessMonkey 7]

Wordsmyth, in 8 weeks you should essentially be through with the Patches, correct? Just let your surgeon know. Nicotine impacts circulation etc so he may want to delay surgery a bit. The patches are WAY better than smoking (your lungs are not impacted, as you know!) and the patches usually have way less nicotine. If you're up front with him it may very well be a non-issue. :smile2: Good luck!

[chubbymemaw 0]

I'm chewing nicotine gum to try not to smoke. If they test for nicotine, that will be in my system. I guess I need to ask my doctor about that when I go Thursday.

[heathermc 0]

Wordsmyth-I have actually learned quite a bit about this after I asked this question. It actually only takes a couple of days for the nicotine to get out of your system, but it takes about 4-6 weeks for the chemicals that break down from nicotine to clear your system. I had the blood test exactly 4 weeks after smoking and I was clear. I did not do the Patches because I didn't want it in my system. I've been banded a month and a half now. :thumbup:)

[ajones1498 0]

I am scheduled to have my lap band on Sept 21 and just stopped smoking on the 15th of Aug. I just found out yesterday that they are doing my blood work on the 31st of Aug. That is only 2 weeks, has anyone failed this test?

[jojocath 0]

Hi

I quit the second week of July and had blood work done two weeks later. No one said a word. In my initial interview with the doctor's NP, she was quite strong on the quiting and told me that the day of the operation they would test my urine. If it showed I had not quit smoking they would cancel the surgery. I know that I am nicotiene free at this point and my surgery is next week.

[jojocath 0]

Hi

Once several years ago I had bronchitis for a very long time and did not smoke during the illness. My doctor told me then that after three weeks all the nicotiene was out of my system and from that point on it is psychological.