What is a Saliva Drug Test?
Saliva drug tests are a convenient, non-invasive way of screening for drugs. They can be used by employers to test employees who are under suspicion of drug use. They work by detecting the presence of certain drugs in the saliva (also called oral fluid). These tests have been around for more than 20 years and have been used in law enforcement agencies, health care settings, and schools. They are frequently used for workplace drug testing.
Saliva drug tests are becoming more and more popular not just due to their convenience but also because of their accuracy. In many workplace situations urine tests are a routine part of drug testing. However, these tests can be invasive and embarrassing for participants. Here’s where saliva drug tests are useful. They’re much less invasive than urine tests, which helps people avoid situations where they are forced to provide a urine sample.
Drug Detection Times for Ecstasy in Saliva
Ecstasy is also known as MDMA . It also has street names such as Molly, XTC or Mandy.
MDMA is a drug that has stimulant and hallucinogenic effects. It is used as an entheogen, in therapy, and recreationally. MDMA can be found in pills, crystals, powder or capsules.
MDMA was first synthesized by Alexander Shulgin in 1912 but was not widely used until the 1970s when it became popularised by club culture and rave parties.
The length of time in which Ecstasy can stay in your system can vary from individual to individual. Part of the reason for this is because the strength of the drug can vary and because there has been an increase in recent years of super strength Ecstasy. In the UK, Ecstasy is a Class A drug.
Generally, when MDMA enters the body, it can stay in the system for up to 72 hours after use. The detection times for MDMA in saliva can vary depending on the amount of the drug consumed and how long ago it was consumed. In general, the detection time ranges from 24-72 days using a saliva drug test.
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 |
Factors affecting detection times
The length of time MDMA can be detected in saliva depends on several factors:
- Dose taken – The more MDMA that is consumed, the longer it will remain detectable in saliva. Higher doses lead to longer detection times.
- Frequency of use – Frequent or chronic users will accumulate MDMA in body tissues, leading to longer detection times compared to occasional users. MDMA can be detected for longer after binge use.
- Metabolism – People metabolise drugs at different rates. Those with a faster metabolism eliminate MDMA quicker and have shorter detection times. Impaired liver function can slow elimination.
- Saliva composition – Less saliva production or thicker saliva consistency can concentrate MDMA and extend detection times. Acidic saliva pH also retains more drug.
- Testing method – More advanced saliva testing methods like LC-MS/MS allow detection of smaller drug concentrations and for longer periods.
- Hydration – MDMA causes dry mouth. Poor hydration leads to less saliva flow and more concentrated MDMA levels. Adequate hydration helps dilute saliva.
- Food – Eating food speeds up MDMA metabolism. Fasting will slow metabolism and extend detection times.
- Age – Older people tend to have slower metabolisms and poorer kidney function, leading to longer detection times for MDMA in saliva.
- Other drugs – Using other illicit drugs alongside MDMA can affect metabolism and clearance rates. Their interaction may lengthen MDMA detection times.
How saliva drug tests work
Saliva drug tests detect MDMA and its metabolites in oral fluid. Here’s how they work:
- The tester rubs a collection pad against their tongue and gums to absorb saliva.
- The saliva sample mixes with buffers and reagents in the immunoassay test strip.
- If MDMA is present, it will bind to antibodies on the test line producing a coloured band.
- A control line will always appear to show the test is valid.
- Results are ready in 5-10 minutes. No lab is required.
Saliva tests are highly sensitive to recent drug use but shorter detection times mean they can miss non-recent or light use. A urine or hair test would detect drug use over longer periods. But saliva’s ease of collection makes it ideal for roadside testing or on-the-spot checks.
Health risks
MDMA use carries significant health risks including:
- Dehydration and overheating
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
- Muscle tension, tremors, and seizures
- Anxiety, agitation, panic attacks
- Impaired judgement and coordination
- Depressive come-down after use
- Long term serotonin depletion
High or frequent doses also risk liver, kidney, and heart damage. MDMA-related deaths usually occur from heatstroke, heart failure, or drinking too much water.
Combining MDMA with alcohol or other stimulants increases these risks. Users should avoid drinking alcohol and stay well hydrated when using MDMA.
Detecting Ecstasy with a 12 Panel Saliva Drug Test
When it comes to identifying the presence of the party drug ecstasy (MDMA), the 12 Panel T-Square Oral Fluid Saliva Drug Test Kit from Zoom Testing offers a comprehensive solution. This innovative testing kit not only detects ecstasy but also screens for a wide range of substances, including the euphoric stimulant methamphetamine and the powerful hallucinogen PCP.
In addition to these mind-altering substances, the test can detect the presence of opioids like oxycodone and heroin, providing a crucial tool in the fight against the opioid epidemic. It also identifies the use of cocaine, a highly addictive stimulant, and cannabis, one of the most widely used recreational drugs.
The true strength of this saliva test lies in its ability to provide a comprehensive overview of potential substance abuse, empowering individuals and organizations to make informed decisions regarding health, safety, and well-being.
As a leading UK drug testing expert, Zoom Testing stands behind this cutting-edge product, ensuring that you have access to accurate and reliable results. Their commitment to excellence and their extensive knowledge in the field make them a trusted partner for anyone seeking effective substance detection solutions.
With its non-invasive nature, FDA approval, and CLIA-waived status, the 12 Panel T-Square Oral Fluid Saliva Drug Test Kit offers a discreet and convenient way to detect ecstasy and a wide range of other substances, providing peace of mind and valuable insights for personal or professional use.
Photo: “Blue MDMA Pill” by Anthony Cunningham for Zoom Testing
Zoom Testing is a leading UK drug testing company and a supplier of Drug Test Kits.
