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davsand

(13,420 posts)
Fri Aug 17, 2012, 01:15 AM Aug 2012

How long does nicotine show up on a blood test?

I'd always thought it washed out of your system in about 48 hours, but now I'm wondering if that is the truth. I am maybe facing a blood test for an insurance policy--how long should you wait after your last smoke if you want to test nicotine free?


Laura

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How long does nicotine show up on a blood test? (Original Post) davsand Aug 2012 OP
Problem is, there's no point in lying. Should any ailment imply tobacco related issue, or Lionessa Aug 2012 #1
Nicotine stores in fat intaglio Aug 2012 #2
A really long time, weeks. And no, those "clean-out" products can't get rid of it. HopeHoops Aug 2012 #3
3 weeks redwitch Aug 2012 #4
Thanks all for the feedback! davsand Aug 2012 #5
 

Lionessa

(3,894 posts)
1. Problem is, there's no point in lying. Should any ailment imply tobacco related issue, or
Fri Aug 17, 2012, 01:33 AM
Aug 2012

should an emergency situation occur, the insurance company can have that re-tested and void your insurance on the spot.

Hair can be tested for tobacco as well, btw, and you can't beat that one.

intaglio

(8,170 posts)
2. Nicotine stores in fat
Fri Aug 17, 2012, 02:15 AM
Aug 2012

And it takes months to clear - which is one reason why quitting smoking is a swine. Showing up in blood tests sufficiently to cause concern? Probably a week

 

HopeHoops

(47,675 posts)
3. A really long time, weeks. And no, those "clean-out" products can't get rid of it.
Fri Aug 17, 2012, 10:37 AM
Aug 2012

I'd make sure it is at least a month. The same's true of alcohol, not because of alcohol content but because of the liver enzymes that continue to be present for weeks. That's what they actually test for with alcohol. Pot's usually out of your system in two weeks as well as most opiates. Avoid poppy seeds, too. They WILL give a positive reading for opiates.

If it's for insurance, I'd go cold turkey and stay that way for a while.

davsand

(13,420 posts)
5. Thanks all for the feedback!
Fri Aug 17, 2012, 11:38 AM
Aug 2012

Smoking has been an off and on thing for the last few years. Lately, it is down to a few a day and some days not at all. Sounds to me like maybe the time has come to not only get the monkey off my back but to kill the little SOB once and for all.

I think I'll wait a month or two to make the switch on insurance companies and make sure I'm completely clean.

Laura

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