Last updated : April 21, 2025
Oral drug testing, which is also called mouth swab, oral fluid, or saliva drug testing, is a newer method of drug testing. It is a great way a drug free workplace, testing on a pre-employment, random, post-accident, or reasonable suspicion basis.
This method of drug testing is as accurate as other methods; however, in some cases, it can be difficult to collect a sample due to reduced fluid caused by physiological factors, including drug use itself. Food and techniques used to stimulate production of oral fluid can also affect the concentration of drugs.
Oral drug testing is still the preferred drug testing method when gender-neutral collection is needed, it can identify alcohol and most common drugs, and it can be conducted under direct observation.
This type of drug testing is quick and easy, but is not allowed for DOT and other federally mandated tests, which require urine drug testing.
It’s important to note that while a positive oral drug test does not necessarily mean that an individual was under the influence of drugs at the time of the test, it has become the standard for evidence of “current use” for the U.S. Department of Labor.