In setting up a secure and safe environment in the workplace, employers need to consider drug testing seriously. There are different methods that can be used in conducting a drug test. Hair, saliva, and urine tests are the most common.
Online services like TestCountry.com provide the necessary tools for conducting drug tests, which can be beneficial for companies. With the different methods available, the vast majority of employers prefer saliva testing over others, the reasons for which are the following:
1) Less Hassle
A saliva drug test is undoubtedly a much lesser hassle when compared with a urine drug test. There’s no need to wait for your bladder to excrete the liquid, and no need for you to drink too much water to induce urination. It’s almost certain that every person who took a urine test has a story to tell when it comes to how inconvenient it could be. On top of that, saliva testing is much less embarrassing to undertake.
2) No Discrepancy
A urine test can be easily altered by exchanging the specimen or by faking the urine to be examined. Some people even dilute their urine by putting more water or mixing hydrogen peroxide with it. This is a common issue when it comes to urine testing. Saliva testing, on the other hand, is impossible to dilute as the test can be performed right in front of the examiner.
3) More Consideration To Sanitation
Let’s face it: handling urine specimens can be rather unsanitary. On the other hand, saliva is much easier to handle as you don’t have to deal with the smelly odor and the possibility of interacting with this body fluid, making it a more hygienic alternative to urine testing.
4) Quicker Detection Time
If an employer suspects an employee of drug abuse, taking a urine test is not advisable if immediate results are needed. The body first needs to metabolize before the drug can be passed throughout the body and into the urine. It may even take hours before it shows positive results. With saliva testing, however, detection can be done as soon as the person takes the drug. Using saliva drug testing, here are some examples of the commonly used drugs and their detection time:
- Alcohol – It can be detected as early as its consumption and disappears after 24 hours.
- Alpha-methylphenethylamine or Amphetamine – It can be detected in as early as 5 to 7 minutes.
- N-methylamphetamine or Methamphetamine – The same with amphetamine, it can be detected in as early as 5 to 7 minutes.
- Cocaine – It can be caught within 5 to 10 minutes after consumption.
- Marijuana or THC – It usually takes up to 1 hour before it can be detected through saliva testing.
5) Faster Results
Employer drug testing using the saliva test provides quicker results than any other procedure. It only takes a few hours to one day before the results can be viewed. Since it is a faster method, employees can quickly get back to their work right after the results of the examination. This procedure is more preferred by employers since a less amount of time was wasted during the process.
6) Flexibility In Collection
Saliva testing won’t require you to be in a specific place to give out the donor’s specimen. When undergoing urine drug testing, finding a comfort room can be a hassle. This is not an issue for saliva testing. For companies that have more field operations, this is more beneficial for both employers and employees since it can contribute to avoiding accidents that might happen in the area due to drug abuse.
7) Modern Method
Saliva testing is a more modern method than urine drug testing, and the trend of using saliva testing in the workplace has been growing over the last 20 years. Because it is new and the tools in using it are also new, it is even more advanced and dependable as it relies on the rapid advancements of technology.
The Bottom Line
Some companies may have a hard time determining which method of drug testing should they choose. While there are those who still prefer the urine or hair test, there are also those who favor saliva and other tests.
The advantages of choosing oral drug testing are innumerable. One of the key features that most employers prefer when it comes to saliva drug testing is its simplicity, in addition to being inexpensive with both the tools and the process used. Whichever it may be, remember to choose a method that would be most comfortable for you and your employees.
