Types of Drug Test
The table below compares the characteristics of the three types of non-invasive drug test in common use - saliva, urine and hair drug tests. The appropriateness of a particular type of drug test will depend on individual circumstances - the types of drugs to be tested for, the window of detection required and the intended use of the test results.
| Sample | Saliva | Urine | Hair |
|---|---|---|---|
| Window of Detection | Approximately 10 to 24 hours. | Typically 1 to 5 days. | Depends on the length of hair in the sample. |
| Advantages | Sample obtained under direct observation. Minimal risk of tampering. Non-invasive. Samples can be collected easily in virtually any environment. Can detect alcohol use. Reflects recent drug use. |
Least expensive. Most flexibility in testing different drugs, including alcohol and nicotine. Most likely of all drug-testing methods to withstand legal challenge (after blood). |
Longer window of detection. Greater stability. Can measure chronic drug use. Convenient shipping and storage. Non-invasive collection procedure More difficult to adulterate. |
| Disadvantages | Drugs and drug metabolites do not remain in oral fluids as long as they do in urine. Less efficient than other testing methods in detecting marijuana use. Accuracy of detection kits/machines questionable. |
Specimen can be adulterated, substituted, or diluted. Limited window of detection. Test sometimes viewed as invasive or embarrassing. Biological hazard for specimen handling and shipping to lab Doesn"t show exerting an effect |
Cannot quantifiably detect alcohol use on a specific day. Will not detect very recent drug use Will not show accurate date of use Will not provide accurate dose used Chemical treatment (bleach, perm, dye) can remove drugs |
