What is a Saliva Drug Test?

A saliva drug test is a method of determining whether an individual has engaged in the use or ingestion of specific drugs. Basic drug tests commonly screen for five categories of substances, including cannabinoids, opiates, cocaine, amphetamines, and phencyclidine, while expanded tests can include these and many more. During a saliva drug test, the subject is generally prohibited from placing any items in the mouth for a specified period of time. Saliva is then collected and analyzed for the presence of numerous substances. Oral drug tests can usually detect a substance from the point of ingestion through a period of hours or days.

An oral drug test is a very convenient method that offers advantages over other ways of testing. A saliva drug test is very non-invasive compared to other methods of testing such as hair, urine, and blood samples. Unlike urine testing, collection of saliva does not require a bathroom and can easily be done in the presence of others. Hair samples require the removal of approximately 100 strands of hair from the body. Blood testing is very intrusive to the test subject, and expensive for the person or group administering the test.

Different testing methods detect drug usage at different points in time. A saliva drug test detects the most recent drug ingestion, from immediate usage to two to three days prior. Depending on the substance, a urine drug test has the potential to provide an accurate result ranging from the preceding week to the past 30-40 days. Hair tests are utilized when long-term information is desired, with a good sample providing positive results for the past 90 days.

There are a multitude of situations where an individual might be subject to the administration of a drug test. Pre-employment drug testing is widely utilized by companies that wish to screen potential employees for the presence of illegal substances. Drug use and abuse can cost employers thousands of dollars through an increase in accidents, employee tardiness, theft, and lessened productivity. Drug testing is a tool employers use to protect themselves against the effects of drug use in the workplace.

The random drug test is another tool commonly used to screen an individual for drug use. Random drug tests are often administered by parents, schools, drug rehab facilities, and prisons. The purpose of a random drug test is to deter individuals from drug usage. There is a much greater chance of catching a positive when the individual does not have time to abstain in anticipation of the test. In both pre-employment and random drug testing, a saliva drug test might be administered.