Why Mouth Swab Drug Tests Are Becoming More Popular as a Method of Testing

As illicit drug use in the U.S. becomes more widespread and severe, drug tests remain both viable and valuable.

Now, however, traditional methods are giving way to more advanced systems capable of detecting a greater number of drugs in more convenient ways than ever before.

One of those is the mouth swab drug test.

Quickly gaining ground as one of the most prominent and effective methods of drug testing on the market, these tests are set to replace many of their predecessors.

Today, we’re taking a closer look at a few of the top benefits mouth swab drug tests can provide. Read on to learn why they’re gaining ground and how you can find one today.

What is a Mouth Swab Drug Test?

A mouth swab drug test is also known as a saliva test or an oral fluids test. 

Used to detect substance abuse, it’s considered the least invasive form of drug testing available. To perform this test, collectors use a special stick with a sponge or absorbent pad on one end.

First, they remove the sample protector. Then, they insert the sponge end of the swab into the donor’s mouth, actively swiping the inside of their mouth and tongue.

From there, they can put the test back into the collection cube and close the lid tightly. After a certain time, they can analyze the saliva sample for traces of drugs. The different types of mouth swab kits each have their own observed collection process. 

Most of the time, this process can be performed on-site. 

Benefits of Mouth Swab Drug Testing

Now that we’ve covered what this kind of test entails, why is it a smart route for you? Let’s take a look at a few of the benefits it offers over other forms of testing.

More Convenient Testing Option

Compared to other drug testing options, including urine drug tests, mouth swab tests are more convenient.

There are no extensive materials required to contain the sample, nor is there a specific location where the test must be performed (such as in a bathroom). Not only does this help prevent tampering, but it also prevents uncomfortable gender observation that can ostracize donors.

The test is compact, quick and can be administered anywhere.

Difficult to Adulterate

There are certain ways that donors can adulterate a urine drug test to achieve a false result. This includes adding any of six possible adulterants, including:

• Oxidants (Bleach)
• Specific Gravity
• pH
• Nitrite
• Glutaraldehyde
• Creatinine

On the other hand, it’s virtually impossible to adulterate a mouth swab drug test. That’s because the donor isn’t alone with the test at any time (unlike with a urine sample). An unbiased collector must be present at all times during the collection process.

This test has a high level of integrity, as well as accuracy. That means donors can’t alter their saliva to mask a positive result or render a false negative. Drinking water, swishing with hydrogen peroxide, using breath mints and even scraping the tongue cannot change the outcome.

Shorter Detection Times

Increasingly, companies are focusing on current and recent drug use over isolated instances that happened weeks prior. If an employee is coming to work and staying on the clock with drugs in his or her system, it can pose a direct threat to surrounding colleagues.

This is where a mouth swab test shines. 

It’s important to note that there is no exact detection window that applies to every test. The answer hinges on a few factors, including:

• The sensitivity of the test
• The type of substance tested
• The amount that has been used
• How long the donor has used the substance

Still, most substances are detectable in saliva within 30 minutes of ingestion, with the general detection window being five to 48 hours.

You can even purchase certain tests, such as the Oratect 6-Panel Mouth Swab Drug Test that require a smaller saliva sample to shorten the initial testing phase and provide results even faster.

This makes a mouth drug test the go-to procedure for employers seeking answers immediately following an accident. They’re also beneficial in cases where they have reason to suspect an employee is actively using drugs at work.

Cleaner Testing Method

Not only are mouth swab tests quicker and more convenient, but they’re also cleaner than most testing methods, including urine tests.

The collection procedure is easy and simple, and can be performed in a matter of seconds. There are no instruments required, and the visual result is a cinch to read. 

For these reasons, many employers opt for mouth swab tests to keep their work environment as clean and sanitary as possible. 

Parent Drug Testing

Another reason to consider investing in a cheek swab drug test kit? Modern solutions are more comprehensive and accurate than in years past.

Now, saliva tests can isolate and analyze more than just the drug metabolite. They can also test for any parent drugs present. This lengthens the detection window for anyone (such as a guardian) who is interested in seeing how far back someone’s drug use originates. 

For example, the Oralert Oral Swab Drug Test identifies marijuana in a donor’s saliva by the THC parent drug present, not the metabolite. This allows the drug to be detected for a longer period of up to 24 hours. 

Find the Rapid Drug Testing Solutions You Need

If you have reason to believe that someone you know, someone you love, or someone who works for you might be abusing illegal drugs, it’s time to get answers. 

A mouth swab drug test can provide you with the clear, quick results you need to move forward. Less invasive, cleaner, and more accurate than other options, they’re quickly becoming the go-to testing procedure both inside and outside the workplace, for good reason.

To order yours, feel free to browse our extensive inventory. If you have any questions along the way, please contact us.