What cotinine level indicates recent use of cigarettes after smoking a single cigarette?

A cotinine level of 8-10 ng/mL is indicative of recent cigarette use after smoking a single cigarette. Cotinine is a major metabolite of nicotine and is commonly measured to assess exposure to tobacco smoke. When someone smokes a cigarette, cotinine levels in the body can rise significantly within a short period.

The levels of cotinine that are typically observed after smoking a single cigarette are generally in the range of 8-10 ng/mL. This range reflects the rapid metabolism of nicotine and the pharmacokinetics of cotinine, which tends to peak in the blood shortly after nicotine is consumed.

In general, lower cotinine levels may suggest either very minimal or no recent tobacco use, whereas levels above this range might indicate heavier or more prolonged exposure to tobacco products. Understanding these values is important for assessing smoking status in clinical practice and monitoring nicotine use in individuals.