Can secondhand smoke cause a positive nicotine test? BBL in 1 week

Question

My bbl is in 1 week. They do a nicotine test the day of surgery and they will not perform the surgery if the test is positive. I do not smoke (never have) but I work in a smoking establishment. My patient coordinator said its possible for secondhand smoke to cause a positive test. How many days before surgery should I stop working to ensure a negative test?

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

While secondhand exposure to smoke is always discouraged, it is unlikely to result in a positive screen for nicotine. For this to occur, prolonged exposure would likely be necessary.As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

David Liland, MD · Answer

Plastic surgeons warn their patients who smoke to stop at least 6 weeks prior to certain procedures that can be severely be affected by their own smoking , such as tummy tucks, facelifts , breast lifts and reductions. We do know that secondhand smoke can cause issues and conditions including lung cancer and even have some studies indicating it might cause wound healing issues. Therefore there is a possibility you could test positive in a nicotine test....but most likely not. I would ask the doctor to call you directly if there is a positive test. He can reconsider your case after you talk directly to him and not the patient coordinator. I do not test my patients for smoking as we have warned them of the consequences and they sign a smoking waiver.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

That would be very unlikely unless in close proximity with prolonged exposure.Kenneth Hughes, MDBeverly Hills, CA

Carlos Recio, MD · Answer

It is a pleasure to answer your question. The answer is no. In numerous studies, cotinine detection levels have been examined across specimen types and exposure rates for passive exposure. Cotinine tests have been clinically designed to accomodate for the minute traces commonly found from second-hand exposure when compared to levels found in smokers. The cutoff value of these tests are set to properly distinguish passive exposure from true smokers. Hope this helps. Good luck.

Arian Mowlavi, MD, FACS (license on probation) · Answer

The standard tests available will detect nicotine in you system if it has been consumed in the last 30 days. No studies regarding the effects of second hand smoke. You can get a home test kit and check it prior to surgery on your own to make sure.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

It is unlikely you would have a positive test for smoking being around secondhand smoke only.There's a threefold reason for this.First of all most tests do not actually test for nicotine but a breakdown product or a metabolite of nicotine called cotinine nicotine has a very short half-life and most nicotine will be out of the system in less than a day after smoking actively.Cotinine on the other hand states in the body for many days after smoking.The main reason it is unlikely you would have a positive test for smoking is that, while the anti-smoking lobby would have you believe that secondhand smoking causes a substantial absorption of nicotine this is simply not true.The absorption of secondhand smoke is so small that it is usually accounted for in smoking or nicotine tests.In other words trace amounts of either nicotine or cotinine Will generally not be considered a positive test.If these tests did not have this built in accountability for trace amounts of exposure every employee in Las Vegas what test positive for smoking tests.If it's easy to take time off work and you want to be absolutely sure you will need several days if the test is checking for cotinine . If the test is for actual nicotine than 24 hours should be sufficient.I would tell your plastic surgeon that you work in a smoking a buyer meant specifically ask him or her if the test has secondhand smoke incorporated into it which most do.Being honest with your doctor upfront before the procedure about your work environment will get you a long ways should there be any discrepancy and what I have just said.Best,Mats Hagstrom M.D.

Robert A. Hardesty, MD, FACS - Account Suspended · Answer

Dear Ms. Bbl_bunny,Depending on how much second hand smoke you inhale the answer is yes.I suggest 3-5 days to be on the safe side.I trust you have chosen a Pladtic Surgeon with experience Plastic Surgeons and who is Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and who is ideally a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (denoting by membership as having met additional criteria and a focus on Cosmetic Plastic Surgery).My best wishes, R. A. Hardesty, MD, FACSDiplomate and Certified by the Am. Bd. of Plastic Surgerywwwimagineplasticsurgery.com4646 Brockton AveRiverside, Ca 92506(951) 686-7600

Can secondhand smoke cause a positive nicotine test? BBL in 1 week

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