What is a Mouth Swab Drug Test?
A mouth swab drug test is a type of screening test that is used to evaluate recent drug use. It's also known as an oral fluids drug test or a saliva drug test.
Saliva drug testing is increasingly being adopted as an alternative to urine drug tests due to its ease of use. The collection process is straightforward, and since the samples are collected under direct supervision, the likelihood of tampering is significantly reduced. It also goes without saying, it is a fraction of the cost (less than $10) of sending a sample to the lab and waiting for results to be delivered.
This method is utilized across a variety of industries, including construction, manufacturing, and other labor-intensive sectors, where quick and reliable testing is critical for maintaining workplace safety. Its ease of administration and immediate results make it a valuable tool for employers to ensure compliance with safety regulations and promote a drug-free work environment.
Feel free to view our saliva drug test selection now, or read on to learn a bit more about these types of drug tests.
What Does A Mouth Swab Drug Test Test For?
The substances a mouth swab drug test can identify will vary depending on panel size of the test. Standard panel sizes range from 5 up to 12 drugs tested at once.
The most common panel sizes are typically the 10 panel saliva drug test or 12 panel saliva drug test. There is also a rising demand for panels that exclude THC due to the ever changing landscape of states that have legalized marijuana use.https://drugtestingsupplies.com/product/9-panel-saliva-drug-test-no-thc
Here is a comprehensive list of the panels we offer here at DrugTestingSupplies.com
How Accurate is a Mouth Swab Drug Test?
A drug test using a saliva sample can be highly precise, but only when the collection is done properly, and the sample is valid. One research indicated that a rapid saliva drug test method was 97.5 percent accurate compared to a lab-based saliva test. The manner of collecting the sample, the substance kind and concentration, and whether or not salivary flow was increased can all affect precision of results.
Due to the high sensitivity of the tests, it can be said with confidence that it is highly likely that any positive result on a saliva sample strongly correlates with recent drug use. This should not be confused with current intoxication, as saliva drug tests are not intended to detect current intoxication levels.
Each box of saliva drug tests here at DrugTestingSupplies.com includes an infographic and reminders on how to properly administer a collection and interpret results.
How Far Back Can a Mouth Swab Drug Test Detect The Presence of a Substance?
As a general rule of thumb, the detection window for any drug metabolite in a saliva sample is up to 48 hours. It can be hard to assign a specific time frame because there are many factors that can influence a positive result such as:
- The drug in question - for example, THC is known (on average) to stay in your system longer than a substance like Cocaine
- The amount of substance that was consumed.
- The number of times the individual being tested has recently used drugs.
- How long the person has been using the substance.
- The body mass index of the person taking the test.
As such, it is much easier to know that if any drug comes back positive on a saliva drug test, it is highly likely that drug was used in the last 48 hours. If you need a longer detection window, using a urine based test would be a much better option.
How is a Mouth Swab Drug Test Administered?
Mouth swab drug tests are strikingly similar to at home pregnancy tests. Simply provide a sufficient sample, saturate the testing strips, and results will visually appear on the test in minutes.
You can view instructions on how to perform a test here. Also, every box of tests includes an infographic on how to properly administer a test.
Additional Notes Before You Order Mouth Swab Drug Tests
You should check with your local jurisdiction regarding drug testing in general. The following three are the most common ones in the US that you should adhere to:
- State laws differ, and some have made pre-employment drug testing illegal so confirm this first.
- The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) is a federal law that protects consumers. The FCRA only operates when a third-party screener administers a substance test. Before a vetting process is completed, employers must furnish a background check declaration and permission form. Suppose an employer wishes to deny or dismiss employment due to a positive drug test. They must follow the disciplinary action process, which entails delivering a copy of the character check findings to the applicant or worker.
- The Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title VII. Employee discrimination based on ethnicity, sex, color, religion, or national origin is prohibited under Title VII. This encompasses both deliberate and disparate impact discrimination, in which an employer's activities unintentionally discriminate against a marginalized minority. To remain compliant, drug testing must be conducted fairly and routinely.
Where You Can Get Mouth Swab Drug Testing Kits
Thank you for visiting our page. If you would like to place an order for saliva drug test kits for your home or business, please visit our saliva testing page, or you can give us a call anytime at (321) 206-0302 and we will be happy to assist you.