Undoubtedly, drug testing plays a critical role in contemporary society for health, safety, and security reasons. In the past, these kinds of screening tests have been performed via selective sample collection methods, such as urine, hair, or blood. These days, saliva drug tests are an easier alternative method that offers a slew of benefits.
What is oral fluid drug testing? Oral fluid toxicology is a specific type of clinical testing for the presence of illicit drugs. As a drug screening test, this modern method is a rising option for employers enforcing workplace drug testing, rehabilitation centers, medical professionals, or law enforcement personnel. To uncover more about this screening method, let’s examine the details a bit closer.
Oral Fluid: How It Works
So, what is oral fluid drug testing, and how does it work? Saliva excretes from mouth glands, and webs of tiny blood vessels encompass these glands. This results in a dispersion of blood components into saliva, such as enzymes, proteins, and other present substances. Past studies demonstrate that traces of drug substances appear in an individual’s saliva immediately after use and remain detectable for as long as 48 hours after ingestion. Ergo, it’s both sensible and effective to analyze an individual’s oral fluid for trace amounts of drug compounds or alcohol.
To perform the test, specimen collectors place an absorbent collection device directly into the mouth as a swab. The collected sample is then screened for possible drugs of abuse. This is a completely laboratory-based process that screens for parent drugs and their metabolites.
Drug Detection Period: More Sensitive Testing
Common saliva test panels include an array of substances such as THC, cocaine, PCP, opiates, methamphetamines, and amphetamines. Additionally, larger screening panels include options such as oxycodone, benzodiazepines, methadone, and barbiturates. Saliva-based testing is more sensitive due to its screening levels and detection period.
Oral fluid's window of detection is between 24 and 48 hours for the majority of illicit drugs. Oral fluid testing has a comparable look-back window to urine testing but provides an advantageous factor of immediacy. Certain drugs are detectable after ingestion, which is as little as 30 to 60 minutes. This timeframe is ideal for post-accident screenings or reasonable suspicion testing situations.
The Benefits: A Directly Observed Test
Oral fluid collection is an easy process to perform, administer, and observe. Sample collection is simple enough that it can be conducted at a place of employment. Any personnel or individual can be a test administrator to oversee the collection process. As the oral fluid collection is directly observed, it helps to reduce the possibility of a donor tampering with or altering their drug test specimen.
For high-quality saliva drug test kits, turn to American Screening Corp. We provide tests that are reliably accurate and easy to administer for sure, confident results. Browse our selection of oral-fluid test panels for whatever substances you require for screening. Contact us with any questions or to learn more about our bulk discount for larger practices. We’re always here to provide support to our customers
