Saliva Drug Test Detection Times

Why saliva drug test detection times, make saliva drug testing a great choice for workplace drug testing

Saliva drug testing has a shorter window of detection than urine drug testing, and is a great choice for employers, as it is a closer reflection of the drug levels in the blood than urine is. 

How does the drug or its metabolite get into the saliva?

When a drug is consumed by an individual the drug is absorbed into the blood stream. It then passes through the liver and is processed by the liver. In the case the Cannabis the drug that is detected on a saliva drug test, is the THC residues that are in the mouth following ingestion. 

Why is the detection period of Cannabis in saliva so short compared to that in urine?

Drugs and their metabolites take longer to be excreted into the urine than they do into the saliva, and they can be detected for a longer period. In the case of Cannabis the parent drug THC is only detected for a very short period on a saliva drug test as the drug test kit detects the THC residues in the mouth, whereas the metabolites of THC are detected in urine for a long period of time, but are undetectable in saliva. For example an ultra sensitive Cannabis urine drug test may stay positive in some individuals for up to 40 days. This can cause a problem for employers. 

Because the detection period for Cannabis is very short in saliva, some employers prefer urine drug testing for their workplace drug testing, as this will pick up a lot more positives for Cannabis. 

Saliva drug test detection time table