Saliva drug test, also known as mouth swab drug test or oral swab drug test, uses a sample of oral fluid to detect certain drugs in the body. Oral fluid drug testing is one of the most convenient and least invasive screening methods for detecting substances in your system.
It’s a common drug testing method in:
The results of mouth swab drug tests are processed through lab testing. They’re also as accurate as other drug testing methods like urine tests.
A saliva sample is collected from the mouth and the inside of your cheek. The technician puts the swab inside your mouth and rubs it around to collect the sample. This sample is then tested to detect specific substances.
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Saliva tests detect a variety of substances, including:
How many drugs are detectable depends on the specific test. For example, a 6-panel oral test detects fewer substances than a 10-panel test.
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The accuracy of most swab tests is 97.5 percent. 7 However, there are a few factors that can affect its accuracy:
Several factors influence how long substances stay in the saliva. An important factor is the frequency of use and type of drugs.
The drug detection window for different substances is as follows:
These detection windows are shorter for some drugs than they are for others. However, some drugs remain in the saliva longer than they do in blood or urine.
For this reason, the type of drug in question could affect which oral drug tests are ordered. If your employer tries to detect alcohol, they’ll need to test sooner than they would for benzodiazepines.
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The time it takes to get your results from a mouth swab depends on the type of test used. Some mouth swab tests require lab analysis, while others can be interpreted on-site.
If your mouth swab needs to be sent to a lab, you can expect results within 24 hours. On the other hand , a test that can be interpreted on-site can take a few minutes.
Benefits of saliva testing include:
Mouth swabs are also typically conducted by an administrator or under supervision. This makes it more difficult to tamper with the specimen.
Drawbacks of oral drug testing include:
Saliva tests offer a variety of benefits, but there are also drawbacks to this type of drug testing.
Pros of saliva drug tests include:
Cons of saliva drug testing include:
When comparing saliva and urine drug tests, no method is generally better. What is best for one situation might not be the right option for another.
When choosing between a saliva test or another option, consider:
All types of testing methods are safe and effective. Choosing the best method depends on the company’s or an individual’s budget, preferences, and specific needs.
Before taking a mouth swab test, it’s recommended to refrain from eating or drinking for at least 10 minutes. Substances like food, drinks, and mouthwash can affect the results.
During the test, you’ll need to keep your mouth open to allow the technician to swab the inside of your mouth. After the test, the sample should be protected from contamination and stored properly until it can be assessed.
Once you receive the test results, you’ll want to check the name and identification number to verify that it is your test. If you doubt your test results or get a false positive, you can ask to review the test results and/or undergo a follow-up test.
Saliva tests are an affordable option for drug testing. However, how much more affordable saliva tests are depends on the specific testing methods and the number of substances detected.
Most saliva tests range from $10 to $50 or less for at-home drug testing kits. Saliva tests performed at a lab test can cost up to $60-$100. Both prices depend on how many drugs can be detected.
Who pays for the test varies from situation to situation. Some employers pay to have employees and applicants tested.
The same is true for rehabilitation facilities. In some cases, subjects must pay testing fees, especially if ongoing testing is required.
Although a saliva test is efficient and accurate, it has limitations. Mouth swabs are easy to use, cost-effective, and hard to tamper with. The results are just as accurate as other tests while being more convenient and non-invasive.
There are a variety of substances that a swab test can detect. Substances can be detectable in your saliva within 12 hours or 5 days. However, this depends on the substance.
Although a saliva test is efficient and accurate, it has limitations. It’s also important to understand that the best test for you depends on your needs, preference, and budget.
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