How long is nicotine detectable in the human body through blood tests. Urgently need to know ! Help me?? THNX

Published January 4, 2011

Question by dottievan: How long is nicotine detectable in the human body through blood tests. Urgently need to know ! Help me?? THNX
I’ve recently changed doctors and he says I have to quit smoking or he will not treat me. My next appointment is scheduled for Oct., with orders for blood work to check for nicotine, one week prior. The other day, I had a Heart Saver Scan done (detects and gives a calcium score…high, signifies an increased chance, when included with risk factors, of significant heart disease). My score was above 1000, and they have now ordered lab work, AND a cardiac catherization next week. I have stopped smoking, but JUST. I think I’m about to be busted big time!!! He has given me permission to use “the gum” and I know it shows up in tests, but will it be really obvious that I did, in fact smoke ( not very heavily) for up to a couple of weeks after he gave me his ultimatum. I know it is out of my hands, and I probably deserve whatever he decides to “dish out” but I’d really like to know what to expect. Thanks for everyones help in advance.

Best answer:

Answer by Troy
I would think that your doctor would know that most people can’t quit instantaneously, so I am sure he wouldn’t drop you if you were at least trying. He probably told you this because it is frustrating to treat people who aren’t doing anything to help themselves. Imagine working in an ER stitching up a wound while the guy is taking a scalpel to himself somewhere else. It is basically the same thing, just not quite as extreme.

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