| Cotinine
Assay is a noninvasive urine test that measures levels of cotinine,
a major metabolite of nicotine, to determine whether second-hand
smoke has impacted the system of the exposed individual. This test
is particularly useful for persons exposed to environmental smoke
on a regular basis.
Increasingly,
overwhelming evidence is accumulating about the serious health
risks associated with exposure to second-hand smoke.
Environmental
tobacco smoke is classified as a Class A carcinogen. Because of
its lower burning temperature, sidestream smoke from a burning
substance such as a cigarette actually contains higher concentrations
of toxins such as nicotine than inhaled smoke. Healthy nonsmokers
exposed to environmental smoke have a dramatically increased risk
of lung and nasal cancer, as well as ischemic heart disease and
stroke. Passive exposure to tobacco metabolites also raises the
likelihood of developing chronic respiratory diseases, and may
exacerbate already existing health conditions such as asthma or
cystic fibrosis.
Self-reports
about the smoking habits of family members/friends or about the
personal/work environment cannot always accurately reflect the
actual health impact of tobacco smoke on exposed individuals.
Cotinine testing provides practitioners with a more accurate clinical
benchmark to gauge the potential health consequences of second-hand
smoke exposure.
Children
with parents who smoke, and who present with recurrent health
problems such as chronic ear infections, colds or asthma, are
strongly recommended for cotinine testing. High levels of cotinine
in the child's urine indicate that the parent's smoking is affecting
the child's health. Environmental smoke has been linked with learning
disorders in children.
Urinary
cotinine is also useful for evaluating exposure status in pregnant
women exposed to smoke. Studies have shown that cotinine may be
passed on through breast milk to infants by mothers who smoke.
The test can also gauge the effects of occupational exposure to
smoke or industrial pollutants.
The
Cotinine Assay requires the collection of one random urine sample.
Test results help practitioners and patients better understand
the actual health impact from second-hand smoke, and to monitor
the effectiveness of strategies designed to reduce exposure.
|
