Saliva drug screen / Oral fluid-based drug screen
COC/Cocaine, THC/Marijuana, Saliva Drug Testing No Comments »Saliva drug test / oral fluid-based drug tests can generally detect use during the previous few days. Saliva or oral fluid based drug tests are becoming more prevalent because of their convenience and the fact that they can not be adulterated. Furthermore, on-site oral based tests in particular enable the implementation of random drug testing programs, proven to be the most effective type of drug screening. Oral fluid based tests are as accurate as urine and can be obtained from quality suppliers in the United States. Testing is usually performed by employers, for either random, post-accident, reasonable suspicion, return-to-duty or pre-employment drug testing. Oral fluid based testing most closely mimics results found with blood and is preferable for detecting on-the-job drug use or in post-accident applications in this case because the degree of intoxication can be approximated based on the amount of substance in the blood. The Victorian Police in Australia are also using random saliva drug tests to detect drivers under the influence of amphetamines and cannabis. South Australian police were also given the power to drug-test drivers from 2006.
Detection in saliva tests begins immediately upon use:
- Marijuana and Hashish (THC): 1 hour after ingestion, up to 24 hours
- Cocaine (including crack): From time of ingestion for 48 to 72 hours
- Opiates: From time of ingestion for 48 to 72 hours
- Methamphetamine and Ecstasy (MDMA, “Crank,” “Ice”): From time of ingestion for 48 to 72 hours
- Benzodiazepines: From time of ingestion for 48 to 72 hours


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