When someone quits smoking, how long before it's out of the system?

Question:

I work in a medical lab and we do drug testing for many companies. Often, clients are appyling for non-smoking jobs and want to know how long they should wait before being tested. Some companies in our area will not hire a smoker. No one I work with knows the answer. Maybe there's a nurse or doctor out there -

Answers:
The nicotine is out after a couple of days. BUT residue can remain in your hair and nails for much longer. Also it take YEARS for your body to recover from the effects of smoking.

Other Answers:
Can any company do that ? I think that would be illegal.

I think the nicotene levels in your blood would return to normal after a few weeks.

24 - 48 hours.

Urine, and breathalyzers can be used to test for nicotine ... overall, if a smoker can stay quit for 2 days, they can fool the test since the actual drug needs constant replenishing; that's why most smokers smoke between 15-40 cig's a day. However, the body does weird things when you take away nicotine from an addict ... not to mention the psychological addiction.

In one of my unsucessful attempts to quit, I volunteered to be a "Lab-Rat" and use Zyban to quit ... they tested my urine and breath twice a week ... I knew the 24-48 rules, and cheated ... but I told them I smoked ... ahhh It's a God given mirrical I quit.

I don't think I'd give my talent to such a company. Although I quit smoking, it sounds like the company is trying to get my body and soul with this type of testing and lifestyle restrictions; why don't they just charge smokers more for health insurance instead of be Nazi B-Tards? I bet they offer little vaction time too; and won't give employeed two days off in a row.

If you exercise (sweat) daily, in about two weeks, your system will have purged about everything. Hair tests are another issue, however.

I just quit smoking 10 days ago, and all the information I was given indicates 3 to 4 days before it is out of your system.
Hope this helps!

After 1 week.

It takes 2-4 days before the most stable nicotine metabolite, cotinin, leaves the body.
http://www.somazone.com.au/content.asp?Document_ID=1222

The actual time depends on various factors, as suggested in the link.

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When someone quits smoking, how long before it's out of the system?

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