Saliva Drug Tests
When workplace decisions depend on current information, saliva drug testing offers a fast and straightforward approach to screening for recent drug use. A saliva drug test is collected at our clinics using a small oral device, and the process takes only a few minutes from start to finish. There’s no complicated setup—just a quick visit and an observed collection that keeps everything clear and consistent.
Saliva testing, more formally known as oral drug testing, uses oral fluid collected on the spot, which helps employers understand whether any substance use may have occurred in the recent past. It’s a practical choice for teams who want a method that’s easy to schedule, easy to follow, and dependable when timing matters.
Register for a Saliva Drug Test
Register for a Saliva Drug Test
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THC Saliva Test $159
DOT Oral Fluid Drug Testing (Coming Soon!)
DOT-regulated employers will soon have access to oral fluid drug testing, a federally approved collection method that uses a secure oral fluid collection rather than urine samples. Once DOT-authorized labs are certified, Health Street will begin offering oral fluid testing at clinics nationwide.
This upcoming method adds flexibility for employers and reduces direct-observation concerns while still meeting DOT's strict compliance standards.
What Is a Saliva Drug Test?
A saliva drug test is a lab-based drug screen that uses oral fluid collected from the mouth to check for drugs that were used recently. During the test, a trained technician places a small collection device inside the mouth until enough saliva has been gathered for the lab. The process typically takes just a few minutes and doesn't require any special preparation from the person being tested.
Because the collection takes place right in front of the technician, a saliva drug test is fully observed and very difficult to tamper with. There's no opportunity to swap samples or add anything to the specimen, which makes this method especially useful for employers who are concerned about cheating or improper collections.
Saliva drug tests are best known for focusing on recent use, covering only a short detection window of up to 48 hours. This makes them a strong choice for:
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Post-incident or post-accident testing
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Reasonable suspicion situations
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Safety-sensitive roles where timing matters
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Moments when you need to understand what may have happened recently, not weeks ago
Once the sample is collected, it's sent to a certified laboratory for analysis. Results are then reported electronically through our GLASS platform, so employers can quickly review outcomes, document decisions, and maintain clear records without extra paperwork.
Why Employers Choose Saliva Testing
A drug test by saliva offers several benefits for workplace drug screening:
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Observed saliva collection: the process is monitored by a technician, reducing opportunities for tampering.
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No restroom required: making it a practical choice in high-security or fast-paced environments.
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Short detection window: typically capturing use from a few hours up to about 48 hours.
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Clean and non-invasive: simpler and more comfortable for employees.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does saliva drug testing work?
A trained technician places an oral collection device inside the mouth to gather saliva. The saliva sample is then sent to a certified laboratory for analysis.
What does a saliva test for drugs detect?
A saliva test for drugs identifies substances included in the selected panel, focusing on very recent use, typically within a 48-hour window.
How accurate is saliva testing?
When analyzed by certified labs, saliva testing is highly accurate for detecting near-term substance use. Observed collection also helps prevent sample manipulation.
Why choose a mouth swab drug test?
A mouth swab drug test (or mouth drug test) is quick, discreet, and ideal for workplaces where urine collection is impractical or privacy-sensitive.
What’s the difference between saliva testing and oral fluid testing?
For non-DOT employers, we often refer to it as saliva testing. However, saliva testing is formally known as oral fluid testing. For DOT-regulated testing, the official term is oral fluid drug testing. Both use the same oral-fluid technology; the distinction is regulatory.
What is the difference between a saliva test and an oral swab drug test?
There is no difference. A saliva test and an oral swab drug test are two names for the same type of screening. Both use an oral collection device to gather fluid from the mouth and check for recent drug use. The terms are interchangeable. The official name for it, however, is "oral fluid drug testing."
Where can I schedule a saliva drug test?
Health Street offers oral testing at thousands of clinics nationwide. You can register online whenever it's convenient for you, and we'll take care of the rest.