Will you be testing urine or saliva samples?
This is the most fundamental choice. Urine testing generally provides a longer detection window, making it suitable for identifying historical or habitual drug use. Saliva testing detects more recent drug use and is better suited to assessing potential impairment at the time of testing. Saliva testing is also less invasive and easier to supervise, as the sample is collected directly under observation.
Is detecting recent drug use or historical drug use your priority?
Saliva tests are designed to identify drugs taken within the past 24 to 48 hours, making them well-suited to workplaces focused on current impairment. Urine tests offer a broader detection window that can extend from several days to weeks depending on the substance and frequency of use, making them more appropriate where a longer history of drug use needs to be assessed.
How many drug classes do you need to screen for?
Consider whether a 6-panel or 7-panel test better suits your workplace policy. Both urine and saliva options in our range screen for cannabis (THC), methamphetamines, cocaine, amphetamines, and opiates as standard. The distinction between 6-panel and 7-panel products relates to the additional drug classes included — such as oxycodone or benzodiazepines — which vary by product. Typically, the Australian workplace market utilises a 6-panel for urine testing and a 7-panel for saliva testing.
Is sample integrity and tamper detection important for your testing environment?
Urine drug test cups vary in their adulterant detection capability. Some products include integrated adulterant test strips that detect common forms of sample tampering, such as dilution, substitution, or chemical adulteration. If your testing program requires a defensible chain of custody or confirmation laboratory testing, look for a product that supports split specimen collection.
How quickly do you need results?
Most onsite drug test kits deliver results within 5 to 10 minutes. However, if rapid turnaround is critical — for example, in high-volume screening environments or where immediate decisions need to be made — some saliva test technologies are capable of delivering negative results in as little as 2 minutes. Consider how testing speed will affect your workflow before making your selection.
Does your workplace require testing to be compliant with Australian Standards?
All drug testing products sold by Breathalysers Australia are verified to either AS/NZS 4308:2023 (urine) or AS/NZS 4760:2019 (saliva), which are the latest Australian Standards. If your drug and alcohol policy stipulates a particular Standard, then you should match your product selection with the specific Standard.
Do you require training to conduct drug testing?
HLTPAT010 is the nationally recognised Australian training unit for collecting specimens for drug-of-abuse testing. While not always a legal requirement, completing this training is considered best practice for workplace drug testing programs. It covers specimen collection, testing procedures, chain of custody requirements, and Australian Standards compliance.
How many tests do you anticipate conducting?
All products are supplied in boxes of 25 units. If your organisation conducts regular or high-volume testing, bulk purchasing discounts are available and can significantly reduce your per-test cost. Consider your anticipated testing frequency when planning your stock requirements.