Laboratory tests and on-site tests are two basic types of oral drug tests. Having an oral drug test can detect past and present uses of various substances. These can include cocaine, ecstasy, marijuana, and amphetamines. When an oral drug test is performed, they are classified as a five or ten panel drug test. These are placed into two classifications that indicate the amount of substances that each panel will analyze. The length of time the test can detect drug use will depend on the drug. Most substances are tested for use in the last two to three days. This test is preferred over other methods because the oral test makes it difficult to manipulate the results to obtain a negative reading that is false. This is administered by a technician but is evaluated by a professional.
Laboratory oral drug test
This test is preferred for any situation that requires verification of possible drug use over a longer period of time. This test uses the person’s saliva for the test. It is then sent to a test facility for processing, which can take at least seven days. The lab-tested test can detect a wider variety of drugs. They are most commonly used for pre-employment evaluations. It allows the potential employer to verify past and present drug use.
Oral drug test on site
This type of test will allow the evaluator to obtain immediate results using the saliva sample, which is collected in the same way as the test analyzed in the laboratory. This test is ideal for any situation that requires an instant read. This type of drug test is used by:
• Random tests on the job
• One-off tests for parents who want to check if their child is using drugs.
• Employers should check drug use immediately if they have been in an accident at work to see if drugs were a contributing factor in causing the accident.
The on-site drug test can also be used to detect recent alcohol use.
How is the sample taken?
The instrument they use to collect the saliva sample looks like a toothbrush. Instead of the bristles there is a pad, which is placed between the gum and the cheek. Remain in position for about two minutes to saturate the pad with your saliva.
Make sure that if you are using drugs and have recently quit or quit smoking, it will take more than a day for any traces to disappear from your system. To pass such a test, the best advice is not to use drugs at all. Most of today’s potential employers will require the new hire to be tested before offering a job.