17 Panel Saliva Drug Test: Why This One?
A drug test can tell you a lot about your employees, but choosing the wrong test can mean missing the information that you need. Saliva drug tests are particularly good for determining recent drug use, so employers often choose them for post-accident testing or reasonable suspicion testing.
But why choose a 17 panel saliva drug test instead of a 7 panel or 11 panel test? Does it really matter?
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What Is a 17 Panel Saliva Drug Test?
A 17 panel saliva drug test uses a quick saliva sample to detect 17 classes of drugs. Unlike urine testing, which picks up drug use over a longer period of time, saliva testing has a very short detection window. Employers will often choose this type of testing if very recent drug use is a concern. Oral fluid drug testing has started gaining popularity with employers because it's easy, fast, and maintains a secure chain of custody.
How a 17 Panel Saliva Drug Test Works
From the employee's perspective, the actual test is very simple. A collector simply places the oral fluid collection device in the employee's mouth and leaves it there long enough to collect the sample. Then, the sample is sealed and sent to the lab, where it is screened for 17 classes of drugs.
What Does a 17 Panel Saliva Drug Test Detect?
A 17 panel saliva drug test covers a broad range of substances, including amphetamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, buprenorphine (Suboxone), cocaine, codeine, fentanyl, heroin, hydrocodone, marijuana (THC), ecstasy, methadone, methamphetamines, morphine, methaqualone (Quaaludes), oxycodone, PCP (angel dust), and propoxyphene.
Detection Window: How Long Does a Saliva Drug Test Detect Drugs?
One common question employers ask us is how long drugs remain in saliva. Our 17 panel saliva test can detect drugs within a 24 to 48-hour window, although this can vary depending on many factors. The substance, dosage, frequency of use, and individual metabolism all affect how long drugs can be detected. Some substances, such as THC, may have slightly longer detection windows.
Accuracy of a 17 Panel Saliva Drug Test
Our 17 panel saliva drug test holds up under scrutiny. It's built for accuracy, speed, and reliability. A 17 panel test performed by the right team and backed by the right certifications is extremely accurate.
Initial screenings quickly identify the presence of drugs, and confirmatory testing ensures accuracy. False negatives or positives are very rare due to the use of LC-MS/MS and GC-MS. However, accuracy also depends on proper collection procedures, trained personnel, and following strict protocols. Employers should ensure that testing is conducted through reputable providers like Health Street to maintain confidence in results.
When Should Employers Use a 17 Panel Saliva Drug Test?
If recent drug use or current impairment is a concern, then a saliva drug test is a good option. Employers commonly choose this panel in post-accident situations when they want to test for a broad range of substances.
Some even use it for reasonable suspicion testing, where results can support whether an employee is under the influence of drugs.
Employer Use Cases and Industry Applications
Employers in any industry can benefit from using a 17 panel saliva drug test as part of their workplace safety strategy. Sometimes drug testing is even required by certain industries, like: transportation, construction, manufacturing, and healthcare.
For example, in a post-accident investigation, saliva testing can provide insights into whether substance use may have been a contributing factor. In reasonable suspicion incidents, it helps employers figure out whether someone had drugs in their system at the time.
Oral fluid testing is not yet available for all federal programs. For example, although oral fluid testing is approved for the Department of Transportation, DOT oral fluid testing is not yet available.
Common Mistakes Employers Should Avoid
Although our 17 panel saliva drug test has many advantages, it isn’t always the right choice for every situation. Avoid these common mistakes:
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Don't treat a 17 panel saliva drug test as a "catch-all" just because it covers so many substances. It won't pick up longer-term patterns of use the way that urine drug testing or hair drug testing can.
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Testing should always be applied the same way for all employees in order to maintain a fair drug testing policy. If one employee gets saliva testing performed in a particular situation, then the next employee should receive the same kind of test for the same type of situation. Inconsistent enforcement is one of the fastest ways to get yourself in trouble.
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Always make sure the clinic you choose uses a certified lab and confirmatory testing. Without these precautions, you're using results that haven't been fully verified and aren't guaranteed to be highly accurate.
Best Practices for Saliva Drug Testing
To maximize the effectiveness of a 17 panel saliva drug test, employers should:
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Work with a third-party to handle the tedious parts. We will coordinate with the lab and handle the documentation.
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Apply drug testing practices consistently for all employees.
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Use saliva testing for the shortest window of detection to determine very recent use.
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Pair saliva testing with other methods of testing when you need testing for different purposes.
Choosing the Right Drug Testing Partner
One of the most important decisions you can make from the start is choosing the right testing partner. Not every drug test is equal, and the wrong partner could provide results that aren't reliable.
The right partner will make sure that the proper protocols are followed and use certified labs. They will have trained collectors, and a documentation process that holds up if the results ever get questioned.
Health Street handles it all. We help schedule, report, and store results so that you're not trapped chasing down details on your own.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a 17 panel saliva drug test?
A 17 panel saliva drug test covers 17 classes of drugs. It's also commonly referred to as an oral fluid drug test. Saliva tests provide a shorter window of detection because they detect drugs present in the bloodstream rather than long-term metabolites. For a comprehensive overview of current impairment risks, this test is a great choice.
How long does a 17 panel saliva drug test detect drugs?
A 17 panel saliva drug test typically detects drug use within a 24 to 48-hour window, although this can vary depending on many factors. For example, the substance used, frequency of use, and the person's metabolism can all affect the window of detection.
What substances are included in a 17 panel drug test?
This saliva test covers a wide range of drugs. For a full list of everything that is included, visit our 17 Panel Saliva Drug Test page.
Is a saliva drug test accurate?
Yes, saliva drug tests are highly accurate.
When should employers use saliva drug testing?
If very recent drug use is important, saliva tests are a great option. Employers often choose these for post-accident investigations or reasonable suspicion testing. With its short detection window, saliva testing can be a good indication of current impairment.
Can a saliva drug test be tampered with?
As long as the test is performed by a certified lab, saliva drug tests are generally difficult to tamper with. The collection process is directly observed. This reduces the risk of substitution or adulteration.
