Drug testing is a frequent part of society. Many employers drug test applicants before extending job offers. Other employers require random drug testing as a part of regular employment. Courts, hospitals, and rehabilitation facilities all utilize drug testing to help determine the sobriety of individuals on a regular basis. Drug tests are administered for many reasons. They could be given in many circumstances and most people will take at least one drug test throughout the course of their lives. There are many different kinds of drug tests that can be administered. There are blood drug tests, hair drug tests, urine drug tests, and saliva drug tests. The two most commonly administered drug tests are urine and saliva drug tests. These are the most accurate and least invasive methods to see drug test results. The least invasive drug test is the saliva drug test. Check out this guide to learn what a saliva drug test reveals.
What is a saliva drug test?
A saliva drug test is a test that determines recent drug usage through the analysis of saliva. The saliva collected from a person’s mouth is packaged in a sterile container and either sent to a lab for testing, or a rapid test can be administered which yields results in only a matter of minutes. These instant tests are typically less reliable, and most testers will opt for one that is sent to a lab to guarantee more accurate and trustworthy results.
How is it administered?
A saliva drug test requires the test administrator to collect a sample of the person’s saliva in a way that doesn’t allow for contamination. This is typically done by inserting a mouth swap into the person’s mouth and moving it in a non-invasive manner on the inside of the cheek to ensure there is sufficient saliva on the swab. Once the swab is removed from the person’s mouth, it is inserted into a container that is sterile and the container is sealed. It is then sent to a lab where the results will be determined. The only preparation the person being tested must comply with is not to drink or eat anything 10 minutes prior to the test being administered. The testing process takes only a matter of seconds to collect the initial sample and can yield results in hours or up to two days, depending on the speed of the lab and the type of test administered.
What does it test for?
A saliva drug test uses saliva to test for the presence of multiple different drug types and alcohol in a person’s system. The sample taken is tested for traces of different substances. While the substances the drug test can detect widely vary based on the type of test being used, below is a breakdown of what substances, in general, are common for a saliva test to be used to detect traces of in a person’s system. It’s important that you disclose to the tester if you have a prescription for any of these medications prior to the drug test.
Amphetamines
Most saliva drug tests can detect amphetamines in saliva. Some examples of amphetamines are listed below.
- Prescription drugs to help with focus disorders such as ADHD
- Commonly used as study aids
Methamphetamine
Methamphetamines are also very commonly tested for in saliva drug tests. This drug is similar to amphetamines and most tests will test for both. Methamphetamines can be detected by a saliva drug test anytime from 10 minutes after use until about four days after use in regular users of the drug. Below are some common prescription purposes.
- Weight loss
- Focus disorders such as ADHD
Barbiturates
Barbiturates will be detected in some saliva drug panels, depending on the type. Barbiturates are commonly prescribed for the disorders below.
- Headaches and migraines
- Seizures
- Insomnia
Cannabis
Cannabis (THC) is tested for in most saliva drug test panels. Although this drug is legal in many parts of the country recreationally, many employers and other testers still require people to be THC-free for certain activities. Cannabis can be detected in a person’s system for about 24 hours after usage and up to six days after usage. Below are some common prescription purposes for this drug.
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Cancer
- Weight gain
- Crohn’s disease
- Eating disorders
- Epilepsy
- Glaucoma
- PTSD, Schizophrenia, and other mental health conditions
- Multiple sclerosis
- Muscle spasms
- Nausea
- Pain
- Parkinson’s Disease
Opioids
Opioids are another drug that is widely prescribed to treat a number of conditions. Below are the most common prescription purposes for opioids. Some common opcodes are hydrocodone, oxycodone, oxymorphone, morphine, codeine, and fentanyl. These can be detected in a person’s system for an average for 36 hours, while some types of opioids may stay in the body for a few days. These are all used in a medical and recreational manner.
- Pain management
- Coughing
- Diarrhea
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are common drugs prescribed. They are also commonly abused. These can be detected in a person’s system any time from a few minutes after usage until about 10 days after use. They are used to help treat a variety of cognitions, many listed below.
- Anxiety
- Alcohol withdraws
- Insomnia
- Inducing amnesia
- Muscle relaxation
- Seizure control
Alcohol
Alcohol, while legal recreationally, can commonly be abused and it is commonly required that people do not drink alcohol on the job, during house arrest, parole, or other legal troubles, and during child custody battles, among other reasons. Alcohol is not typically prescribed for any medical condition and is more commonly used for recreational purposes. It can be detected for six to twelve hours after the first usage.
Phencyclidine
Phencyclidine is commonly referred to as PCP. It is a drug that is not prescribed by medical professionals and is instead illegally used in a recreational manner. It affects the central nervous system and is classified as a hallucinogenic drug.
There are many things that a saliva drug test can reveal. These tests can help employers determine who is safe to work at their company. They can also help determine which guardians are the safest choice for a child in a custody battle. In addition, drug tests can help identify drug dependencies and problems so that the individual tested can start to find the right treatment for their condition.
Check out our selection of saliva drug testing kits, drug test strips, and more at American Screening Corporation to find out what a saliva drug test reveals for yourself.
