When it comes to workplace drug testing, oral fluid testing stands out as a superior option compared to urine testing. While each method has its own unique advantages, oral fluid or saliva testing is quickly become the optimal option for workplace drug testing. Below is a brief comparison of the two methods and their different uses:
Oral Fluid
- Detects recent drug use. The detection period is 2 hours to 48 hours. An employer will only be assessing what’s in the donor’s system at the time of drug test collection.
- Ease and security of collection. Oral fluid collections are only a quick swab from inside the mouth and tamper resistant.
- All collections are observed without a privacy dilemma.
- No shy bladder adding to the time it takes a donor to provide a sample.
- Greater positivity rates with lab-based oral fluid testing. In 2021, oral fluid positivity overall was 7.3% and 14.8% positivity for marijuana.
Urine
- Historical drug use is captured and not just recent use of a substance. Urine tests can detect substances from 2 days to 30 days.
- Urine collection relies on the use of a bathroom and the sample is easy to adulterate.
- Observed collections require the same gender to collect the urine sample.
- Shy bladder protocol requires the donor up to 3 hours to provide a urine sample.
- Urine lab-based positives are lower than oral fluid. In 2021, urine drug positivity overall was 4.6% and 2.9% positivity for marijuana.
In conclusion, while both oral fluid and urine testing have their respective benefits, oral fluid testing offers a more efficient, secure, and accurate method for detecting recent drug use in the workplace. Its ease of collection and higher positivity rates make it an ideal choice for employers committed to maintaining a drug-free environment. For any further questions or to learn more about implementing oral fluid testing in your workplace, please contact DATCS. We’re here to help you make informed decisions about your drug testing protocols.
