What is a Saliva Drug Test?
Saliva drug tests are a quick and easy way to test for drugs. They can be used in the workplace, at home, or even at an event. The saliva drug test is so simple to use that it can be completed in only three minutes.
A saliva drug test is a rapid and convenient way for employers to screen potential employees for illegal drugs during pre-employment screenings, as well as during random drug testing procedures. It also provides a quick and accurate method of screening existing employees who may have been using drugs outside of work hours.
Saliva tests are also popular among private individuals who want to check if they are using any substances that could be harmful to their health or even if they have been drinking alcohol while driving or operating heavy machinery.
An oral fluid drug test kit is an effective tool for detecting the presence of cocaine in saliva. It is a rapid, non-invasive, and easy-to-use alternative to blood and urine tests. These tests often used as the first choice method for workplace drug testing. Cocaine is a drug that will appear on most multi-panel drug tests due to its frequent use as a recreational drug. In the UK, Cocaine is a Class A drug.
Drug Detection Times for Cocaine in Saliva
The drug detection times for cocaine are determined by the concentration of cocaine in saliva. The concentration levels are measured in nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL). The cut-off levels for oral fluid tests vary depending on the type of test kit used, but typically are set at 20 ng/mL for the detection of cocaine, and this is the international standard used in the UK, Europe and the USA.
Oral fluid drug detection times can vary depending on a number of factors such as:
1) How long it has been since the person last used drugs
2) How much cocaine was consumed
3) What type of drug test was used
Using an industry standard saliva drug test, such as the Zoom Testing 3-in-1 saliva drug test kit, the detection time for cocaine is typically up to 1-2 days after last use.
Detecting Cocaine Through Saliva Testing
Have you ever wondered how saliva drug tests are able to detect cocaine use? It’s a fascinating process that relies on some interesting science. Let’s take a closer look.
When someone ingests cocaine, the drug enters the bloodstream and circulates throughout the body. Cocaine is able to cross from the blood into other bodily fluids like saliva. As the cocaine metabolites are expelled through the salivary glands, they end up in your mouth’s saliva.
The concentration of cocaine and its metabolites like benzoylecgonine in oral fluid closely mirrors the levels in blood plasma. So by testing a person’s saliva sample, drug screening can accurately determine if cocaine has been recently used.
But how does the saliva test actual pick up on the presence of cocaine? Most saliva drug tests use an immunoassay method. This technique relies on antibodies that are designed to bind only to specific drugs or drug metabolites.
For example, the test might use antibodies that lock onto the benzoylecgonine metabolite of cocaine. If this metabolite is present in the saliva sample, the antibodies will grab onto it. This creates a visible colored line on the test strip, indicating a positive result for cocaine use.
What Factors Influence Cocaine Detection Times?
The window of time that cocaine can be detected in saliva depends on several variables. Obviously, higher doses of cocaine tend to remain in the system longer than small amounts. Frequent or chronic cocaine use also increases detection times.
An individual’s metabolism and body chemistry plays a role too. People with faster metabolisms may clear cocaine from their bodies quicker compared to slower metabolizers. Age, weight, health status, and other factors influence metabolism rates.
The type of cocaine ingested is another consideration. While powdered cocaine hydrochloride is water-soluble, allowing excretion through saliva, freebase cocaine like crack is not as easily dissolved. Freebase cocaine often stays in the body longer.
Lastly, individual testing methods can impact detection periods. As mentioned earlier, standard saliva tests used cutoff levels around 20 ng/mL to report a positive result. But more sensitive tests with lower cutoffs may be able to find trace amounts of cocaine metabolites over a longer time frame.
Saliva Testing Advantages for Cocaine Detection
While urine testing is more common for workplace drug screening programs, saliva tests offer some key benefits over traditional urine tests:
- Less invasive sample collection process
- Harder to substitute or adulterate the sample
- Detects recent drug use better than urine tests
- Extremely fast results in just 5-10 minutes
- Tests conducted easily on-site without special facilities
For situations where rapid results are needed to identify very recent cocaine use, saliva testing provides a convenient and trustworthy solution. Many employers are making the switch to mouth swab drug tests for their accuracy, ease of use, and cost efficiency.
The science behind saliva testing for cocaine continues to advance and improve. As researchers develop more sensitive and specific testing methods, the detection window for this potent stimulant drug will likely widen even further.
Drug Detection Times for Drugs in Saliva
The table below shows the general detection times for all drugs when using a saliva drug test kit.
| Name of Drug | Code | Detection Period | Cut off: |
| Alcohol | ALC | Real time | 0.02%BAC |
| Amphetamines | AMP | 2-3 Days | 50ng/mL |
| Benzodiazepines | BZO | 2-3 Days | 50ng/mL |
| Buprenorphine | BUP | 2-3 Days | 10ng/mL |
| Cannabis | THC | 8-12 Hours | 12ng/mL |
| Cocaine | COC | 1-2 Days | 20ng/mL |
| Cotinine | COT | 1-2 Days | 20g/mL |
| Ecstasy | MDMA | 2-3 Days | 50ng/mL |
| Methadone | MEP | 8-12 Hours | 30ng/mL |
| Methamphetamine | mAMP | 2-3 Days | 50ng/mL |
| Opiates | OPI | 7-21 Hours | 40ng/mL |
| Oxycodone | OXY | 2-3 Days | 50ng/mL |
| Phencyclidine | PCP | 12-24 Hours | 10ng/mL |
| Spice (Synthetic Cannabis) | K2/Spice | Up to 48 Hours | 25ng/mL |
Detecting Cocaine and More with a 12 Panel Saliva Drug Test
The innovative 12 Panel T-Square Oral Fluid Saliva Drug Test Kit from Zoom Testing is a comprehensive solution for detecting a wide range of substances, including the highly addictive and potent stimulant, cocaine. This advanced drug testing kit utilizes cutting-edge immunoassay technology to accurately identify the presence of not only cocaine but also 11 other commonly abused drugs, such as marijuana (THC), methamphetamine, opiates like heroin, and prescription painkillers like oxycodone.
The test’s ability to screen for amphetamines and phencyclidine (PCP) further highlights its versatility in uncovering substance abuse patterns. With this single test, individuals, families, employers, and organizations can gain valuable insights into potential drug use, enabling them to take appropriate measures and provide necessary support or interventions.
Manufactured by the renowned Wondfo, a leading global supplier of drug testing kits, the 12 Panel T-Square Oral Fluid Saliva Drug Test Kit boasts over 99% accuracy, ensuring reliable and trustworthy results. Its user-friendly design and straightforward interpretation of results make it accessible for at-home testing or professional settings.
As experts in the field of drug testing in the UK, Zoom Testing offers this comprehensive solution to individuals and organizations seeking a discreet and efficient way to detect substance abuse. With its wide range of detectable substances and high accuracy, the 12 Panel T-Square Oral Fluid Saliva Drug Test Kit stands as a valuable tool in the effort to promote a safer and healthier environment.
Photo: “Cocaine Bag” by Anthony Cunningham for Zoom Testing
Zoom Testing is a leading UK drug testing company and a supplier of Drug Test Kits.
