Many employers implement pre-employment drug testing for job candidates and routine drug testing for employees. Drug screening can be conducted using samples of saliva, hair, urine, or blood. One of the quickest, simplest, and least invasive methods is an oral fluid drug test, which involves swabbing the inside of the mouth to collect a saliva sample.
In certain industries or roles, such as transportation, drug testing may be legally mandated. In other cases, employers may use drug screening to deter on-the-job drug use, identify employees dealing with substance abuse, and ensure the safety of both employees and customers.
Mouth swab drug tests are a form of drug screening that detects substances in a person’s saliva to identify the presence of specific prescription or illicit drugs or alcohol in their system. These tests are also known as oral drug tests, saliva drug tests, or cotton swab drug tests.
Saliva is collected using a cotton swab, absorbent pad, or sponge attached to a small stick, which is used to swab the inside of the cheek. To ensure the accuracy of the sample, the test subject is typically asked to refrain from eating or drinking for 10 minutes before the test. Mouth swab drug tests can be administered on-site (such as at the employer’s location or at the scene of an auto accident) or at an external laboratory. The oral fluid samples can be analyzed on-site, usually within minutes, or sent to a laboratory for further testing.
There are several reasons why employers might prefer saliva drug tests over other methods. Mouth swab drug tests are fast and cost-effective, and they are less invasive compared to blood or urine tests. Additionally, because the test is conducted in the presence of the administrator, it reduces the risk of sample tampering.
The substances detected by mouth swab drug tests depend on the specific test ordered. These tests can identify a wide range of substances, including cocaine, opiates, and amphetamines. Employers may choose to test for a single drug (such as marijuana) or multiple substances, and they can select different screenings, or “panels,” to detect specific drugs.
For instance, a 5-panel screening typically tests for the following substances:
Marijuana/THC
Cocaine
Amphetamines (including MDMA, MDA, and methamphetamine)
Opiates*
Phencyclidine (PCP)
A 10-panel screening usually includes tests for:
Marijuana/THC
Cocaine
Amphetamines
Opiates*
Phencyclidine (PCP)
Barbiturates
Benzodiazepines
Propoxyphene
Methadone
Methaqualone (Quaaludes)
*Note: Depending on your testing provider, you may need to order an extended panel to comprehensively test for all opiates.
The accuracy of a mouth swab drug test can vary based on several factors, including:
The type of drug abuse test kit or device used
Whether the test is conducted and analyzed immediately on-site or sent to a laboratory
Adherence to proper mouth swab collection procedures
Whether the individual stimulated their saliva (e.g., by chewing gum), which can dilute the concentration of drugs
Generally, oral drug screen tests are less accurate than blood or urine test for drug abuse. However, mouth swab drug tests can detect the presence of THC and may help determine whether the individual recently smoked cannabis or was merely exposed to secondhand smoke. Typically, evidence of secondhand smoke in saliva dissipates within an hour of exposure, whereas evidence of smoking cannabis can remain in saliva for up to 12 hours after smoking.
If you’re looking to screen for long-term drug abuse or past drug use, oral fluid drug screen may not be the most effective option. Drugs typically remain detectable in saliva for about 5 to 48 hours, although this detection window can vary depending on the substance. For example:
Heroin is detectable in saliva for about an hour.
Ecstasy and cocaine can be detected in saliva for up to 48 hours.
THC can be detected in saliva for up to 72 hours.
Morphine is detectable in saliva for up to 72 hours.
Methadone can be detected in saliva for up to 10 days.
In comparison, urine drug tests can detect drug use for up to 7 days, while hair drug tests can detect drug use for up to 90 days.
Due to the short detection window of drugs in saliva, oral fluid drug testing is particularly well-suited for identifying recent drug use. For instance, in the event of a workplace accident, mouth swab drug tests can be administered immediately to determine if anyone involved was under the influence.
Employers may opt for drug testing to assess a candidate’s suitability for a role, ensure workplace safety, and comply with regulations. Rapid response saliva drug test is one method employers might select for their screening process. Regardless of the reason for conducting mouth swab drug tests, it is crucial to ensure that your screening procedures adhere to all relevant laws. The simplest way to achieve compliance is by consulting with legal counsel and partnering with an experienced background check provider that offers a range of drug screening packages.
Prometheus Bio makes it easy for employers to manage their drug testing programs with various options for onsite oral fluid drug testing, including standard 5-panel, 7-panel, 9-panel, and 10-panel screenings. For more information about our drug testing services, please contact our sales team.
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