Saliva drug and alcohol testing
Saliva drug testing is also referred to as oral fluid testing. Like urine drug testing, the saliva drug test is available as two options. First, as a rapid saliva drug screen. This provides instant on-site screen results within 15 minutes of the sample being collected. Second, is the legally defensible saliva laboratory drug test. This test is performed in a UKAS 17025 accredited laboratory and has some advantages over its urine counterpart.
How does saliva drug testing work?
The rapid saliva drug screen uses immunoassay technology to detect metabolites of the drugs we screen for. The detection method is set against predetermined cut-off levels as advised by the European Workplace Drug Testing Society (EWDTS).
The laboratory confirmation saliva drug test identifies and quantifies specific drug groups. First by performing an initial screen, then by analysing any non-negative screens using the Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) method. All undertaken in a UKAS 17025 accredited laboratory facility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the advantage of using the rapid saliva drug screen?
The main advantage of the point of care saliva drug screen is access to instant results. However, results are not legally defensible, and must not be used for legal purposes or workplace disciplinary action. As a result, we recommend that samples from all non-negative screen results are sent to the laboratory for confirmation drug testing.
How long does it take for the saliva drug test results?
Results are produced within 15 minutes for the rapid saliva screen. Saliva samples that are sent to the laboratory for testing undergo a next day screen. So, laboratory screen results can be reported within 1 to 2 working days. If GC-MS confirmation testing is required, this can take up to a further 3 to 5 working days. However, this is normally 3 working days, unless we have a particularly high volume of samples to process.
How is alcohol tested?
For both the rapid screen and laboratory test, we normally test for alcohol using a calibrated breathalyser. Or we can also use additional saliva strips to detect the presence of alcohol. Alcohol cannot be tested in the saliva collected for either the rapid screen and laboratory test.
Our advice would be to always opt for breath alcohol testing, if available. It is the most accurate from of alcohol testing we provide and is indicative of blood alcohol content at the time of obtaining the sample.
Alcohol cut-off levels are determined by clients, and normally reflect drink drive limits set in the county of collection. In addition, alcohol testing normally comes at no extra cost when undertaking a drug test.
What are the advantages for using the laboratory saliva drug test?
As mentioned, the laboratory drug test reports can be used for legal purposes and disciplinary action in the workplace.
What drugs do you test for in saliva?
For both the saliva instant and laboratory tests, we have a standard panel of the most common recreational drugs. These are, Amphetamine and Methamphetamines which includes Ecstasy. Benzodiazepines, Cannabis, Cocaine and Opiates.
What is the cost of saliva drug and alcohol testing?
There are lots of options available for this form of drug testing. Details for examples of the prices can be found on the drug and alcohol testing prices page. As an example, and depending on how many people attend one appointment, the costs can be as low as £60 per person. This would also include an alcohol test.
Local drug testing clinics, and mobile locations throughout the UK
For your convenience, we have a network of drug testing clinics throughout the UK. As a result, we can provide drug and alcohol test appointments for you in your local area. Or we can arrange for a certified sample collection officer to visit your home, workplace, or other location.
Head Office
Crystal Health Group
The Old Chapel
Manchester
M30 0NG