Contents of a SmokeScreen Urine kit includes 10 tests in foil pouches and an instruction leaflet.
Draw up the syringe to the full extent
to fill with 2 ml of urine
Place the filled syringe onto the top of the tube.
Holding the tube upright in both hands on a firm surface, place both thumbs on the sides of the cap and snap the cap on quickly.
Place the tube immediately in the Analyser.
Put on the cover tube.
Press the Start button immediately.
The Analyser will automatically mix the tube contents and then time the reaction.
It will, after 3.5 minutes mix the tube again before displaying the result in µg of cotinine ‘equivalents’ and will give an indication of the degree of smoking habit.
If you have any questions please go to our FAQ's section.
The urine SmokeScreen test is the ideal test to determine and monitor smoking habit in clinical environments, where urine testing is routine and the optimum measure of nicotine intake over a period of days is required.
Similarly, in patients with heart disease the test shows smoking increases the risk of myocardial infarction (J Epidemiol Community Health 2004) and those patients who are recovering should be given rehabilitation and help to stop smoking (Heart 2009).
Chemicals in tobacco smoke pass through the lungs into the blood system. The lining of the blood vessels are affected, becoming harder, less flexible and inflamed.
This, along with changes to the blood clotting mechanisms leads to vascular disease and reduction of blood flow to the legs. One study found SmokeScreen was a good test to identify smokers with vascular disease, and was found to be as good as laboratory cotinine testing (J Vascular Surgery 2005).
In respiratory disease smoking is major cause of the disease, its progression and treatment. New drugs are being developed and trialled to improve the treatment but they can only be effective if the patients stop smoking. Several trials have used the SmokeScreen test for evaluating new drugs (Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics 2009)
Smoking is an important risk factor for complications during and after surgical operations. It increases the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular problems during the operation and increased infections and slower wound healing after the operation. A study undertaken by plastic surgeons showed a high degree (26%) of denial of their cigarette usage at their pre-operative assessment (Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery 2006)
Tobacco products and smoking have profound effects on fertility, whether it be by disrupting ovulation or damaging the morphology or number of sperm (Human Reproduction 1998). There is good evidence that smoking by either partner during in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment can seriously reduce the change of fertilisation and the treatment being successful.
