Quick answer: Oral fluid (saliva) tests collected with a Quantisal-style device typically detect recent use: most drugs for about 5 to 48 hours, and THC up to roughly 24 hours or longer with heavy use. Federal initial cutoffs include THC 4 ng/mL and cocaine 15 ng/mL. Positive screens are preliminary; confirm by GC/MS or LC-MS/MS. Source: American Screening Corp.
- Oral fluid shows recent use, not long-term history. Urine usually covers a longer window.
- HHS sets initial and confirmatory cutoffs in ng/mL; a lab applies them to the collected specimen.
- Every non-negative result is preliminary until confirmed by GC/MS or LC-MS/MS laboratory testing.
What is a Quantisal-style saliva drug test?
Quantisal is the name of a oral fluid collection device. A collector places a pad in the donor's mouth until a volume indicator shows enough fluid, then moves the pad into a buffer tube. The sealed specimen goes to a laboratory for testing.
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This differs from an on-site oral fluid screening device, which gives a preliminary read in minutes. Both approaches depend on cutoffs, and both require confirmation of a positive result.
How long can saliva tests detect each drug?
Detection windows depend on dose, frequency, body chemistry and the cutoff used. The ranges below are typical planning figures for buyers, not guarantees for any one donor.
| Drug or class | Initial cutoff (ng/mL) | Confirmatory cutoff (ng/mL) | Typical window |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marijuana (THC) | 4 | 2 | Up to about 24 hours; longer with heavy use |
| Cocaine / benzoylecgonine | 15 | 8 | About 12-48 hours |
| Amphetamine / methamphetamine | 25 | 15 | About 24-48 hours |
| MDMA group | 25 | 15 | About 24-48 hours |
| Opiates (codeine, morphine) | 30 | 15 | About 24-36 hours |
| 6-acetylmorphine (heroin marker) | 3 | 2 | About 12-24 hours |
| Phencyclidine (PCP) | 3 | 1 | About 24-48 hours |
Cutoffs follow the HHS Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs using Oral Fluid, published by SAMHSA. Windows are general ranges and vary by person.
Why are oral fluid windows shorter than urine?
Oral fluid reflects drug present in the mouth and blood recently. Urine collects metabolites over hours or days. That makes saliva useful for post-accident, reasonable-suspicion and observed-collection situations, where recent impairment matters more than history.
For routine pre-employment or probation screening where a longer look-back is wanted, many programs use urine. See our drug test cups for on-site urine screening.
Is saliva testing allowed under DOT rules?
Yes. DOT 49 CFR Part 40 permits oral fluid collection for DOT-regulated testing, using HHS-certified laboratories and the federal cutoffs. Part 40 sets collection, split-specimen and Medical Review Officer procedures. Employers must follow those steps exactly; the U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Drug and Alcohol Policy and Compliance publishes the current rules.
What affects a saliva result?
- Time since last use and the amount used.
- Route of use: smoked, oral or intranasal use leaves different residue in the mouth.
- Recent food, drink or tobacco before collection, which is why a waiting period is standard.
- Collection volume: an inadequate sample must be recollected under the program's procedure.
- Prescribed medication, which a Medical Review Officer or clinician should review.
How do you read and act on a result?
- Confirm donor identity and document the collection time.
- Observe the donor for the required waiting period with nothing in the mouth.
- Collect until the volume indicator shows an adequate sample, then seal and label it.
- Record the result or ship to the laboratory with a chain-of-custody form.
- Treat any non-negative result as preliminary and confirm by GC/MS or LC-MS/MS laboratory testing before action.
Buyer checklist before you order
- Decide your look-back need: recent use (oral fluid) or longer history (urine).
- Match the panel to your policy and state law.
- Verify FDA clearance or CLIA-waived status for each device against its product record.
- Set a written confirmation and appeal procedure.
- Train collectors on waiting periods and chain of custody.
- Confirm lab turnaround and reporting format.
Need help matching a panel or lab confirmation to your program? Contact American Screening Corp for wholesale supplies shipped same day nationwide from Shreveport, Louisiana.
Frequently asked questions
How long does THC stay in saliva?
THC is typically detectable for up to about 24 hours after occasional use. Heavy, frequent use can extend this. The HHS initial cutoff is 4 ng/mL, confirmed at 2 ng/mL.
Is a saliva drug test more accurate than urine?
Neither is universally more accurate. They measure different windows. Oral fluid shows recent use; urine shows a longer period. Any positive screen needs GC/MS or LC-MS/MS confirmation.
Can saliva tests be used for DOT testing?
Yes. 49 CFR Part 40 allows oral fluid testing with HHS-certified laboratories and federal cutoffs. Follow Part 40 collection and Medical Review Officer procedures.
Is a positive saliva screen final?
No. A positive screen is preliminary. Confirm by GC/MS or LC-MS/MS laboratory testing before any employment, court or treatment decision.
Sources
- SAMHSA: Workplace Drug Testing and Mandatory Guidelines
- U.S. DOT ODAPC: 49 CFR Part 40
- eCFR: Title 49, Part 40, Procedures for Transportation Workplace Drug and Alcohol Testing Programs
Employers screening applicants can pair testing with employment background checks from our sister division, Reveal Background.
This article is general information, not legal or medical advice.
