Non-Invasive Approaches for Cotinine Detection: Enhancing Accessibility in Tobacco Use Monitoring

Non-invasive approaches for cotinine detection have emerged as vital tools for enhancing access to tobacco use monitoring, addressing the pressing need for reliable, user-friendly methods in public health and clinical settings. This literature review explored various non-invasive testing methods, including saliva, urine, sweat patches, hair analysis, and breath analysis, highlighting their respective detection windows, accuracy, and feasibility. The review emphasizes the role of these methods in public health monitoring, particularly in identifying high-risk populations and facilitating smoking cessation programs. Furthermore, it discusses the implications of non-invasive testing for research on tobacco exposure and secondhand smoke, underscoring the importance of accurate data collection in shaping effective tobacco control policies. Despite the advantages, challenges such as sensitivity, specificity, and environmental factors affecting test results are critically examined. The review identifies areas for future research, including technological innovations and the potential for expanded use in low-resource settings. Ultimately, this review advocates integrating non-invasive cotinine detection methods into routine practice to improve health outcomes and promote informed decision-making about tobacco use.