Saliva drug screen / Oral fluid-based drug screen
Saliva / oral fluid-based drug tests can generally detect use during the previous few days. Saliva or oral fluid based drug tests are becoming more prevalent because of their convenience and the fact that they can not be adulterated. Furthermore, on-site oral based tests in particular enable the implementation of random testing programs, proven to be the most effective type of drug screening. Oral fluid based tests are as accurate as urine and can be obtained from suppliers in the United States. Testing is usually performed by employers, for either pre-employment, random, post-accident, reasonable suspicion, or return-to-duty testing. Oral fluid based testing most closely mimics results found with blood and is preferable for detecting on-the-job drug use or in post-accident applications in this case because the degree of intoxication can be approximated based on the amount of substance.
Detection in saliva tests begins immediately upon use:
- Marijuana and hashish (THC): An hour after ingestion, and up to 24 hours depending on use.
- Cocaine (including crack): From time of ingestion up to 2 to 3 days.
- Opiates: From time of ingestion up to 2 to 3 days
- Methamphetamine and ectasy (MDMA, "crank," "ice"): From time of ingestion up to 2 to 3 days.
- Benzodiazepines: From time of ingestion up to 2 to 3 days
Pros: Saliva (Oral) drug test kits are very donor friendly, non-invasive and easy to collect the specimen. There is no need for a bathroom to administer the tests. Saliva drug testing is great at detecting very recent drug use. Also these drug tests are harder to adulterate than the urine drug tests since the sample can be obtained under direct supervision. Results can be read in minutes and there is no need for a lab. Depending on the test, up to 8 (5 or 6 at a time) different drugs could be detected. This method is the best method for determining current use and impairment.
Cons: The main disadvantage of saliva based drug testing is lack of awareness in the market, as well as misinformation spread largely by laboratories and TPAs (third party administrators), who stand to lose money as saliva testing continues to replace traditional urine-based techniques. Another disadvantage is that saliva tests have very short detection periods compared with other method. However, this can possibly be seen as an advantage because it means the person was likely under the influence of the drugs at the time of the test, meaning in pre-employment, that the person may not be able to avoid drugs at all, or for any other reason that the test may have been given, that the person was high at the time of the event that prompted the test.