That is "quit" 2011, not 2001! (I wish!)

I assume we a talking Cigarette smoking..LOL I found this tid-bit on eHow..

The Tests:
There are various ways that insurance companies can test for nicotine use and there is much debate regarding the length of time that nicotine remains in your system. Some say it should be out within 72 hours of your last exposure, while others say that it may remain in your system at detectable levels for weeks. And the method that you use to get your nicotine is really irrelevant. However, what can have an impact on the results of a test for nicotine is the type of test administered.

For instance, a urine test that is used to detect cotinine (a metabolic byproduct of nicotine processing), typically has a maximum detection of four days. In other words, if the person taking the test hasn't smoked in the last 96 hours, the urine test cannot detect it. Blood tests also have a similar time frame although some can detect nicotine/cotinine up to five to seven days from use.

Saliva testing is a more expensive method that isn't normally used by insurance companies when assessing customers. Typically, saliva tests can detect nicotine/cotinine levels up to seven to 10 days from actual use.

Finally, the most effective method for testing nicotine use is by sampling a person's hair. This test can detect nicotine levels up to 10 or more days from use. That being said, the hair test is almost never used by insurance companies for several reasons. First, this is the most expensive testing method for detecting nicotine. Furthermore, insurance companies often assume that a normal smoker would have a very difficult time quitting smoking for a period of 10 or more days simply to pass a nicotine test. Consequently, the majority of insurance companies rely on urine, blood or saliva tests.

yes it can . nicotine can be detected anywhere from 7 to 21 days by a urine test.

Good question becca....Thanks for that answer, grannie, I often wondered myself.

any surgeon worth his salt will tell a surgery patient to not smoke at minimum of 14 days prior to surgery. some ask even longer. some will tell you to quit or no surgery. number one, smokers are an anestheia risk ; two, smoking can impede recovery. there are numerous ways a surgeon or any type of surgery prep team can tell if someone has smoked.

Thanks all! Yeah, there is a lot of conflicting info out there.. Few days, few weeks.... Hard to tell what's 'real'...

No worries on the smoking b4 surgery for me as surgery is NOT for 6 months (I'm having gastric bypass)... and I will 'be good' :) But my INS requires 30 days smoke free so I can start the 6 month process and then one just b4 surgery.

Again, thanks for all the input! It is appreciated!!

let us know the results. I am going to have gastric bypass on 2-4 and I quit smoking on 1/16 so I should be good but let me know what your test reveals if you want to. Good Luck

i wish you luck with the upcoming surgery. i hope you can keep your quit going after the surgery as smoking will hamper or slow down the healing process.

I passed! No problem!! I was so happy! I will NEVER lie to a doc again and plan to NEVER smoke again either! LOL!

Good for you...keep us posted..or...join in on the Roll Call and Pledge each day.

I've noticed drug testing for nicotine as part of employment screening @ our hospital & some state jobs. The nicotine patch or nic gum or chew would prevent hiring the candidate.
Lying on an application is automatic dismissal.
At any point, I suppose all employers could do this, for health reasons but also the cost of cleaning up after smokers.
Hope they don't ban coffee!!!!!
Something to think about.