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Scientists have developed a five-minute saliva test that can determine whether smokers have quit for good.

Researchers said test can be used by insurance companies. They said that former smokers can even get their premiums reduced if they prove that they have stopped for good.

The smoke test, called the "Saliva SmokeScreen," is designed to detect cotinine, a breakdown product of nicotine. The test is currently being used as part of a comprehensive health check carried out in pharmacies throughout the country.

Smoking is an important risk factor for many chronic diseases, such as respiratory diseases, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. It also causes blood pressure to rise and is linked with high cholesterol levels. We are pleased the SmokeScreen test has been chosen as the means to monitor smoking in this program," researcher Dr. Graham Cope of the University of Birmingham said in a news release.