Workplace drug screening has become more and more prevalent in the last two decades. In many cases, hiring managers will even drug-test candidates who make the final cut.

Numerous businesses here in Texas and across the country rely on drug tests to screen their staff. These tests are often preventative in nature—a deterrent for current and future staff, and a way to protect the work environment. But what type of drug tests should organizations administer?

This article will compare saliva drug screening and urine drug screening. Both are viable, but there are certain nuances to keep in mind.

Saliva vs. Urine Drug Screening

If you are thinking of developing a drug screening program, you may be wondering whether to conduct urine or saliva drug tests.

Currently, urine is the most common drug testing specimen, followed by saliva.

Urine drug tests are arguably the simplest to administer. These kits generally come with dip sticks, cards, panels, and cups. With results available in under 10 minutes, this method is efficient, practical, and quick. It can also test for numerous drugs in a single test.

Saliva drug tests also produce quick and accurate results. These oral screening solutions generally feature a simple saliva card. Like urine tests, they produce results in under 10 minutes. These kits—again, similar to urine tests—can screen for numerous drugs, including amphetamines, cannabinoids like marijuana, opiates, cocaine, and phencyclidine.

Saliva drug screening solutions have become more popular in recent decades. They have a shorter detection window than urine tests (48 hours instead of 72 hours), but they are in many ways just as effective. Not only that, but they can pick up on drug use minutes after the substance is taken. Urinalysis takes a few hours for the drug to metabolize in the system before the substance can be detected.

Which Specimen Is More Accurate?

Urine and saliva drug tests are similar in terms of accuracy. Urine drug tests produce results with an accuracy rate of more than 99%, while saliva drug tests are about 99% accurate. And while both can test for a broad range of illicit substances, urine tests can in most cases pick up more drugs.

So what’s the answer? Depending on your needs, industry, and setting, one solution might be preferable to the other. Saliva drug tests are usually slightly more convenient, and a little less likely to be manipulated. Oral solutions also require a minimal sample. Yet if speed and versatility are important to you, your organization might opt for urine drug tests instead.

Ultimately, the choice is yours. Whatever type of drug screening solution you choose, you can expect accuracy and efficiency. Our team is here to help you on your path to developing the best program for your needs.

Drug Screening for Texas Employers

Employers in Texas cities like San Antonio, Corpus Christi, and Austin will save money and preserve their reputation by drug-testing their workers and applicants.

At Essential Screens and DrugScreenKits.com, our team will help you through every step. No matter your industry, we’ll craft the exact screening solution you need—administering saliva or urine drug tests on a periodic basis. Our team can develop a custom, clinically-backed program tailored to your requirements. We are truly a leader in point-of-care testing (POCT) and instant drug screening.

Please contact us for details, or to set up a free consultation. For more information on our screening services, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.