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.