Why employers choose oral fluid drug testing

If you organise random drug testing at work, the collection process matters as well as the result. You need a suitable place, a clear procedure and a test that meets your workplace policy.

Oral fluid drug testing, often called saliva or mouth swab testing, uses a sample collected from the mouth to check for specified drugs. It can be a practical option because collection is directly observed and does not require toilet facilities. The sample can be screened at the appointment or sent to a laboratory, depending on the service you choose.

Those advantages make saliva testing worth considering, but it is not the right choice for every job or testing programme. Here is what to weigh up.

A simpler collection process at work

With oral fluid testing, the person being tested provides a sample using a collection device in their mouth. They do not need to provide a urine sample or use a specially arranged toilet area.

That can make appointments easier to organise at a workplace and feel less intrusive for the person providing the sample. You still need a suitable space where the process can be explained and carried out privately.

Collection takes place in front of the collector, which reduces opportunities for sample substitution or tampering. It does not make interference impossible: the collector must follow the device instructions and the agreed procedure, including any waiting period before collection. Some people may also take longer to provide enough oral fluid.

A focus on more recent drug use

Oral fluid generally has a shorter detection window than urine. That can be useful when an employer wants a testing programme focused on more recent use.

There is no single detection time that applies to every saliva drug test. The drug, amount and frequency of use, test cut-off and collection method all affect what may be detected. Detection windows are a guide, rather than a guarantee for an individual person.

A drug test result does not, by itself, establish whether someone is impaired or fit for work. It also cannot reliably pinpoint exactly when a drug was taken. Results need to be considered through the agreed workplace process, with appropriate confirmation and review where required.

Instant saliva screening or laboratory testing?

“Saliva testing” describes the sample type. It does not tell you how that sample will be analysed or what kind of report you will receive.

• Instant saliva screening: a point-of-care test gives an initial screening result at the appointment. A non-negative screen needs the appropriate laboratory confirmation process before it can be treated as a confirmed finding.
• Laboratory oral fluid testing: the collected sample is sent to a laboratory for analysis. The testing panel, reporting arrangements and any confirmation or medical review should be agreed when booking.

You can read about our instant saliva drug testing service and saliva laboratory drug testing service to see the two routes.

The European Workplace Drug Testing Society publishes oral fluid testing guidelines. When choosing a service, ask about the collection procedure, laboratory arrangements and the scope of any accreditation you need.

Would saliva testing suit your workplace?

Start with your policy and the requirements of the role, rather than choosing a test on convenience alone. If an industry, client or site specifies a method, check that requirement before making a change.

Useful questions to work through include:

• Which drugs must the test panel cover?
• Do you need instant screening or laboratory analysis?
• How will samples be collected, documented and sent for confirmation?
• What happens after a non-negative result, including any medical review?
• Will a collection team attend your workplace, or will employees visit a sample collection location?

Our guide to choosing a workplace drug test can help you compare the options. If you plan to carry out screening yourselves, read our guide to employer-run drug testing before choosing workplace saliva drug testing kits. Buying kits does not include a managed collection or laboratory confirmation service.

Common questions about saliva drug testing

Is a mouth swab drug test the same as oral fluid testing?

The terms are often used for the same sample type. The important distinction is whether you are booking instant saliva screening or laboratory oral fluid testing.

Is saliva drug testing better than urine testing?

It depends on your requirements. Observed collection and the lack of toilet facilities can make saliva convenient, while detection windows and the drugs covered may make another method more suitable. Tell our team what your policy or site requires so we can help you choose.

Can we book saliva drug testing online?

Selected tests and locations are available through our online appointment booking. Check the listed service before paying. For group bookings, a particular drug panel or testing at your workplace, explore our workplace testing service or call 0800 988 7107.