Nicotine typically stays in your blood for about 1 to 3 days after you stop using tobacco products. However, its primary metabolite, cotinine, can be detected in the blood for a longer period, generally up to 10 days, and sometimes even longer depending on individual factors such as metabolism and frequency of use

. Key points on nicotine and cotinine detection in blood:

• Nicotine itself is usually cleared from the blood within 48 hours to 3 days

• Cotinine, which is more stable and has a longer half-life (approximately 20 to 40 hours), can be detected in blood for up to 10 days or more after nicotine use

• The exact duration varies based on factors like genetics, how much nicotine was consumed, and the method of ingestion

In summary, nicotine is detectable in blood for up to about 3 days, while cotinine can remain detectable for up to 10 days or more, serving as a reliable marker of nicotine exposure during that time frame.