How long does it take for nicotine to flush out of one's system (i.e. for the purposes of a blood and urine test)?

The body can rid itself of stored nicotine naturally, but it can take 30 days or longer - sometimes a few months. There are products on the market that advertsise that they flush nicotine from your system in as little as 7 to 10 days but I don't know how reliable they are.

This link has a handy chart that shows you how long certain drugs stay in your system and also has information about the way the body metabolizes the drugs.

The reason I ask is, I quit smoking some time ago but do occasionally take a drag off a cigarette now and again. I'm applying for life insurance and have to have a blood and urine test for that. Will the occasional drag affect that? Will they be able to tell the difference between being around smokers and actually taking a drag? ...do you know?

Thanks!

Every time you inhale nicotine, it will get into your system. It is absorbed through the nasal and oral membranes as well as the lungs. Once it is in your system, it metabolizes into many different metabolites and is excreted through urine. The occasional drag certainly will not caused built up levels that accumulates through regular smoking, but it will be in your system.

As for being able to tell whether the nicotine came from you smoking or from you being around smokers, yes they can tell. In order for the nicotine to get into your system, you actually have to inhale it directly from the nicotine source or ingest it.

Even if you don't smoke for a few days before your tests, nicotine will still show up (in urine, don't think blood tests are used for nicotine detection). The slightest, trace amount of nicotine, will label you a smoker by the insurance company.

Sorry, I keep trying to post something and get interupted. THere are at home test kits available that you can do to see how your results will appear. I don't think it stays in your system for 30 days but you might be at risk for testing positive. Get a test kit and check for yourself before you go for the real test. Drink lots of water and cranberry juice. Cranberry juice acts as an astringent for the blood.

Okay, good to know.
Thanks!

i think it all depends on your fatty cells also. if it's anything like THC. I'm really not sure. but if you have to take a urine test I'd recomend drinking a lot of water on a continous basis.
I was told nicotine only stays for like 3 days. the same amount of time cocaine sticks around.

Wow, there's a big difference between thirty days and three days... I don't think I have any "stored" nicotine. But my last drag was the 27th and my test will be the 21st so I should be all right, I'm hoping. If I can just resist this weekend!!

You'll have to tell us what the test results were