Saliva Drug Testing Facts

You may be interested in learning these saliva drug testing facts if you are ever subjected to random drug testing. Saliva drug tests are not the most popular choice of drug testing but are available for use but are becoming more popular due to their ease of use. Companies, school, and other places in need of quick results use saliva drug testing

Saliva drug tests are readily available, easy to use, and less costly that other drug testing methods. Saliva testing can also produce on the spot results which is why they are popular in the work place, by probation and patrol officers, and in schools for athletic programs.

Saliva drug tests use a swab to collect saliva from inside your mouth. It is similar to a toothbrush in shape and size. The tissue between your cheek and gums are swabbed. When the test is performed the one receiving the test should not have any gum, mints, or anything else in their mouth. Saliva drug test results are available after about ten to fifteen minutes. Unfortunately the saliva drug tests can only detect recent drug use and does not show drug use history as you would find in a hair follicle test.

Although saliva drug testing is not fool proof and does not provide a drug history, it works for it's intended use. It can show if someone is impaired by drugs or alcohol the moment the test is administered or if they have used within the last twelve to 24 hours.