Saliva Drug Testing Methods

What is Saliva Drug Testing?

Saliva drug testing was implemented as a simple way to test for marijuana, THC, heroin, cocaine and amphetamines. Saliva drug tests are used by doctors and clinics in place of blood or urine tests. Saliva tests are considered easier to use than blood tests, which require a registered nurse to complete, and easier to get a reliable result than urine tests, as some people who know they are going to receive a urine drug test will try to throw the test by drinking mass quantities of water or detox drinks.

Taking a Saliva Drug Test

You can take a saliva drug test at your local doctor's office or free clinic. Some jobs will require you take a drug test before getting hired, which usually takes place at the company's doctor's office or human resources office. You can also purchase saliva drug tests online (see Resources) and at your local drugstore. Purchasing at-home tests online or at the drugstore are considered to be more confidential than taking them at a doctor's office because the results will be given to you by way of a confirmation number instead of by name. An at-home drug test is also a great way to determine if your child or teen has been taking drugs without getting the authorities or your doctor involved. In both tests, a toothbrush-like applicator is placed between the tongue and cheek for two minutes, then placed back into the plastic container and given to the doctor or shipped to the laboratory listed on the at-home test.

Getting the Results

If you have had a saliva test at the doctor's office or at a free clinic, the doctor will instruct you to call--usually in one to three weeks. You can then receive the test results from the receptionist over the phone. With a drug test for a job, your employer will inform you of the results of your test, usually only if they are negative. An at-home test will usually take between four to six weeks to receive the results. You will have to call the number of the laboratory listed on the package and then enter the confirmation number printed on the test packaging to receive your results. The test results will either be given by a telephone representative or an automated program.

References

• Saliva Drug Test Center
• Saliva Drug Tests Explained

Resources

• Meditests.com: Laboratory Drug Testing