Serum thiocyanate levels in smokers, passive smokers and never smokers.

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 micromol/L) of smokers was significantly higher (p value < 0.001) as compared to passive (55 +/- 16.1 micromol/L) and never smokers (41 +/- 6.6 micromol/L). The serum thiocyanate of female smokers (133 + 28.7 micromol/L) was higher (p value < 0.05) than male smokers (103 +/- 36.3 miccromol/L). Serum thiocyanate showed 91% sensitivity, 80% specificity and 84% accuracy at > or = 60 micromol/L for smokers. CONCLUSION Serum thiocyanate is significantly higher in smokers than passive and never smokers. Serum thiocyanate at > or = 60 micromol/L may be considered as cutoff value for distinguishing smokers from non-smokers for future studies.