NicAlert Saliva
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Nicalert™ can be used to test the level of cotinine, a by-product of the body’s breakdown of nicotine, in urine and saliva. Nicotine is the active ingredient found in tobacco products and tobacco smoke. Cotinine is a widely accepted indicator of recent tobacco use and exposure, including second hand smoke exposure.
Both Nicalert™ Urine and Saliva:
- Provide quick, accurate, on-the-spot determination of an individual’s smoking status
- Measure the use of cigarettes, pipes, cigars and other tobacco products
- Measure nictotine intake from nicotine replacement sources such as patch, gum and lozenge
- Have been used medically and in research programs.
- Can provide a positive incentive to people trying to quit or reduce tobacco intake by watching their levels drop
For Heavier Smokers
The saliva test is suitable for situations where taking a urine sample is impractical, or where the subject is a heavy user of tobacco products. A level of 1 typically indicates a smoker; so it is not suitable for examining second hand smoke exposure.
Saliva Test Kit
The saliva test kit contains a test strip, a small funnel, a collection tube and a specialized filter cap.
Saliva is spit through the funnel into the tube. The filter cap is placed on the tube and the tube is squeezed until 8 drops have been placed on the end of the strip (indicatedby arrows). The strip is then laid on a non-absorbent surface to develop for about 15 to 30 minutes.
It is important to recognize that it is the same test strip for both applications. What differs is the nature of the fluid being tested.
