Zila Rubab, Ataur Rahman.
Serum thiocyanate levels in smokers, passive smokers and never smokers.
J Pak Med Assoc Jan ;56(7):323-26.

Objective: To compare the serum thiocyanate levels in smokers, passive smokers and never smokers. Methods: Serum thiocyanate was analyzed on 135 self reported smokers, never smokers and passive smokers by UV-Spectrophotometry (Manual method of Bowler). Results: The mean serum thiocyanate concentration (112 ± 36.6 umol/L) of smokers was significantly higher (p value <0.001) as compared to passive (55 ± 16.1 umol/L) and never smokers (41 ± 6.6 ,umol/L). The serum thiocyanate of female smokers (133 + 28.7 umol/L) was higher (p value <0.05) than male smokers (103 ± 36.3 umol/L). Serum thiocyanate showed 91% sensitivity, 80% specificity and 84% accuracy at > 60 umol/L for smokers. Conclusion: Serum thiocyanate is significantly higher in smokers than passive and never smokers. Serum thiocyanate at > 60 ,umol/L may be considered as cutoff value for distinguishing smokers from non-smokers for future studies (JPMA 56:323;2006).

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