A 10-panel drug test cannot possibly identify the cotinine (nicotine’s main breakdown product) traces in your body. But a blood test or urine test in a lab might identify your tobacco usage easily. You need not panic. The traces may not stay in your system for more than 1 to 3 days if you are an occasional user. If you are a regular tobacco user, you will have to read this blog to know more about nicotine abuse and how to get past this and pass your drug test. When and why are Nicotine tests ordered? A standard d rug test like a 10-panel drug test , does not identify nicotine. But if you are ordered to take a nicotine test, there are specific reasons. They include Court-ordered child custody case. Applying for insurance — Health Before surgeries Nicotine overdose suspicion by doctors Employment drug test. What does the nicotine test look for? Nicotine test does not look for nicotine. They look for Cotinine and Anabasine, which are the metabolites produced in your body ...