A mouth swab drug test is a quick and convenient screening tool that uses oral fluid samples to detect certain substances in the system. It is also known as a saliva drug test, oral fluid drug test, or cotton swab test. This screening method can be beneficial in various settings, such as companies and rehabilitation centres. Oral fluid testing is more cost-effective and less invasive than other drug testing methods, like blood, urine and hair sampling.

Companies and businesses with alcohol and drug testing policies often use saliva drug tests. In addition, the company will make it clear when aspiring job applicants and current employees will undergo testing. Pre-employment drug and alcohol screening can help maintain a healthier, safer, and more productive workplace. Moreover, a comprehensive workplace policy can help with determining correct workplace drug testing decisions. This article will discuss how oral fluid testing works, its accuracy, and the uses of drug testing.

How Do Mouth Swab Drug Tests Work?

The most common specimen collection method is to use a mouth swab stick with an absorbent pad to swab the inside of the mouth or under the tongue. Other specimen collection methods include draining, spitting and suction to gather oral fluid for testing. A mouth swab drug test is one of the standard methods for workplace onsite testing.

For example, testing may be appropriate if a workplace incident or accident occurs. An oral fluid test is non-invasive and has an easy sample collection procedure in cases of emergencies. On the other hand, a more thorough specimen analysis at an accredited testing laboratory is possible.

A mouth swab test is quick and convenient and lasts only one to three minutes. In addition, there is minimal preparation needed in performing the test. The person undergoing drug screening is advised not to consume foods or beverages 10 minutes before the test to ensure accuracy. This practice is observed because consuming certain foods, medicine, and alcohol-based mouthwash can interfere with the test result.

Furthermore, the collected specimen will be instantly tested onsite or sent to an accredited testing laboratory to identify traces of substances present in the system. Confirmatory testing at a laboratory is required if the initial mouth swab test detects drugs. This confirmation test provides a more detailed and highly accurate test result.

What Does Oral Fluid Specimen Detect?

Research shows that several factors affect the detection of substances using oral drug testing. The type of substance tested and route of administration will affect the test result. Moreover, this testing method can detect various substances, which include:

• Alcohol
• Amphetamines
• Barbiturates
• Opioids
• Cocaine
• Cannabis
• Methamphetamine
• Benzodiazepines
• Phencyclidine (PCP)

Accuracy of a Mouth Swab Drug Test

Following the guidelines of a mouth swab drug test can provide a highly accurate test result. It is typically conducted by a professional administrator or under supervision. In addition, this strict supervision makes it harder for the individual undergoing the test to tamper with the specimen. Moreover, testing method accuracy varies between instant testing kits, devices, and laboratory testing.

Moreover, research shows that mobile oral fluid testing was less accurate than swab testing conducted in a credited testing laboratory. In addition, test accuracy differs due to the method of specimen collection, substance type and concentration, and stimulation of saliva flow. For example, oral fluid stimulation agents such as sour candy or chewing gum can reduce the concentrations of certain substances.

In addition,  how long test results take from a mouth swab test will depend on the analysis method. For example, some drug tests will require laboratory examination. On the other hand, other drug screening results can be analysed and provided onsite. If the specimen needs to be sent to a credited laboratory, the test results will be available within 24 hours. For onsite drug testing, results are available within minutes.

Most at-home or workplace oral fluid tests require people to place the mouth swab stick in the collection container and wait for the results to appear within 5 minutes. The test kit did not detect a drug if it showed a visible line.

What Can Affect the Accuracy of an Oral Test?

There are various factors that can affect the accuracy of an oral fluid drug test. These factors may include:

• The amount of substance consumed
• Frequency of substance usage
• Quality of the substance
• Age of the individual
• Liver and kidney health
• Body mass and metabolism
• Dehydration level

Mouth Swab Drug Tests for Workplace Testing

Some companies and businesses require workplace drug screenings for employment. The most commonly used testing method is an oral fluid drug test. More employers prefer this test method because it is less invasive and cost-effective than other types of drug screening. Oral fluid testing is just one type of drug screening often used for specific situations. For example, workplace drug testing is appropriate for random, reasonable suspicion, or post-accident testing situations.

However, this method cannot determine if a person uses drugs regularly; it only shows recent substance use. Therefore, it may not be substantial for pre-employment drug screening. In particular, if a job applicant briefly abstains from drug use while they undergo the job interview.

Therefore, urine and blood testing are typically a better testing sample choice to screen for current and prior drug use. In addition, hair testing can help detect long-term substance abuse. Various credited drug and alcohol testing service providers offer onsite and mobile testing services. These testing services should meet the needs of the drug and alcohol testing policies. A mouth swab test and other test methods can help companies comply with applicable regulations.

Workplace drug and alcohol testing ensures that all job applicants and current employees do not have substance abuse problems. A workplace testing policy can help improve the health and safety of all employees.

Benefits Over Other Drug Testing Methods

There are a few benefits to using a mouth swab test over other drug and alcohol testing methods, including urine, blood and hair analysis. These benefits include:

• Less non-invasive
• More cost-effective
• Can identify current substance usage
• Quick test results
• More challenging to tamper with test results
• Easy and convenient to administer

Conclusion

In conclusion, mouth swab drug tests can be an effective drug screening tool that uses oral fluid to identify various substances in the system. This testing method is less invasive, quick and convenient. It can produce test results within a few minutes. Moreover, swab tests are typically best for identifying current substance use. This testing method can detect various substances like alcohol, amphetamines, cocaine, cannabis, PCP, opioids, methamphetamine and more.

Those with jobs in an industry with high-risk environments like aviation, transportation, mining and construction must undergo regular drug testing. Oral fluid testing is convenient, cost-effective, and practical for ensuring workplace health and safety. However, some states restrict an employer’s ability to conduct workplace drug testing if an employee is not in a safety-sensitive role. Therefore, companies should know the specific laws before implementing a testing program.