What is the definition of "cotinine" and its significance in smoking cessation?

Cotinine is a metabolite of nicotine that is significant in smoking cessation because it is often used to confirm an individual's smoking status. When nicotine is ingested—either through smoking tobacco or using nicotine replacement therapies—it is metabolized in the body to cotinine. Measuring cotinine levels in biological samples such as blood, urine, or saliva can provide a reliable indication of nicotine intake.

This is essential for healthcare professionals who are working with patients to quit smoking, as it helps in assessing the effectiveness of cessation programs or therapies, allowing for adjustments in treatment plans based on a patient's smoking behavior. Higher levels of cotinine indicate recent nicotine use, while lower levels suggest abstinence from smoking.

The other choices, while related to smoking cessation, do not accurately define cotinine or its primary role in assessing smoking status. For instance, medications for cessation target nicotine addiction directly, whereas cotinine serves more as a biomarker for nicotine exposure. Similarly, counseling techniques and monitoring devices may assist in the quitting process, but they do not pertain to the definition of cotinine itself.