Posts Tagged drug testing methods

Basics of Saliva Drug Tests

Posted by DrugFreeHomes in Drug Testing on April 13th, 2010

When it comes to detecting the presence of drugs, saliva drug testing offers several advantages which make it a drug testing method of choice for many establishments and individuals.

saliva drug testUnlike regular urine drug tests that require some level of privacy for people to collect samples, saliva drug tests provide a much more convenient procedure of collection. You can collect samples in the living room, at you office desk, just outside your car, or just about anywhere.

Studies have shown that saliva drug tests are highly reliable when it comes to detecting drugs. There has been a study conducted at the University of Utah that have shown that drug and drug concentrations can be determined through examining the saliva.

Usual saliva drug tests involve a swab, which is placed between the gums and the lower cheek, to collect saliva. The swab is retained in the mouth for about two minutes. Once the swab is saturated with the proper amount of saliva, it is then transferred into a vial which is then examined inside a laboratory. It is able to detect drugs like alcohol, marijuana, heroin, and cocaine.

The most prominent limitation of saliva drug tests is that it cannot be used to trace a comprehensive history of drug use unlike other drug methods. Saliva drug tests have a shorter drug detection time, only having the capability of detecting within 20 to 24 hours. It is best that saliva drug tests be administered in situations when only the most recent of drug use is to be detected, such as those involved in vehicular accidents.

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Comparing the Different Methods of Drug Testing

Posted by DrugFreeHomes in Drug Testing on November 2nd, 2009

Drug testing has been increasingly common in the past years, with employers and parents finding ways to determine drug abuse within their respective areas of responsibility – the workplace for the employers and the home for the parents. With the increasing popularity of drug tests comes also the introduction of different methods of drug testing. What works best for one may not be appropriate for another, so allow us to make a simple comparison of the basic drug testing methods.

Urine Drug Testing

urine drug testThis is the most common drug testing method in hospitals, drug treatment and rehabilitation centers, and company offices, as the results can be made available within the same day. If using the on-site urine drug testing kit, results can be obtained within minutes. The on-site drug test, though, is not enough when you need to bring the matter to legal proceedings. Urine tests offer a window of detection that ranges from 24 to 72 hours.

Oral Fluid Drug Testing

oral fluid testThe clear advantage of oral fluid drug testing is its convenience. Specimen can be collected anywhere; no need for special facilities to aid sample collection. Not having to collect the sample in a comfort room also eliminates the possibility of tampering. You see sample collection right in front of you. This would work well for those who need to check current drug use only as this offers a very short window of detection, just around 24 hours.

Hair Follicle Drug Testing

hair drug testHair follicle drug testing possesses the advantages of long window of detection, easy sample collection and difficult sample adulteration. It can detect drug use to as far as 3 months back from testing. Sample can be taken just anywhere, and it is not prone to basic sample tampering methods like dilution. Results may take a little more time compared to the other 2 methods, but they can be obtained within a matter of few days.

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