Oral Fluid Drug Testing

Convenient Collection

3R Medical Solutions offers lab-based oral fluid specimen collections in its network of company owned and operated patient service centers (PSCs). Lab-based oral fluid drug testing provides a simple method to collect chain of custody drug screen specimens almost anywhere. The oral fluid collection is directly observed, making it less susceptible to specimen adulteration.1 The donor simply opens the sealed collection device, places it in his or her mouth, and the collector transfers the specimen into the transport tube for shipment to the laboratory.

Sensitive Testing

Because oral fluid specimens require much lower screening levels than urine, 3R Medical Solutions performs the initial screening test by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) microplate technology. ELISA is one of the current screening methods with adequate sensitivity to detect drugs of abuse in oral fluid specimens. 3R Medical Solutions offers mass spectrometry confirmation of presumptive positive screens.

Our oral fluid drug test profile contains:

  • Amphetamine/methamphetamine/ecstasy
  • Barbiturates
  • Benzodiazepines
  • Buprenorphine
  • Cannabinoid (THC)
  • Cocaine
  • Cotinine
  • Ethyl Alcohol
  • Fentanyl
  • Methadone
  • Opiates (expanded menu)
  • Oxycodone
  • Phencyclidine (PCP)
  • Propoxyphene
  • Tramadol

Results for specimens that screen negative for all drugs are generally available within 48 hours after specimens are received at the laboratory. Results for confirmation testing of presumptive positive screens are usually available within an additional 72 hours.

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FAQs

What is the drug detection window for oral fluid testing?

Depending on the drug used, dose, and route of administration, a drug may be detected in oral fluid in less than one hour and remain detectable for five up to 48 hours after last use.1,2

How does the drug detection window for oral fluid compare to urine and hair?

Drug detection times vary depending on the dose, sensitivity of the testing method used, preparation and route of administration, duration of use (acute or chronic), the matrix that is analyzed, the molecule or metabolite that is looked for, the pH and concentration of the matrix (urine, oral fluid), and variations in metabolic and renal clearance. In general, the detection time is longest in hair, followed by urine and oral fluid. Drugs in hair may be detectable for up to 90 days, whereas drugs in urine are generally detectable for one to seven days (or longer in chronic users) and in oral fluid from five to 48 hours.

Why is the oral fluid specimen placed in a fluid buffer?

The buffer solution is used to inhibit bacterial growth.


References:

  1. Proposed revisions to Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs. Federal Register. April 11, 1988; 53:11970; amended June 9, 1994; 59:29908: September 30, 1997; 62:51118; April 13, 2004; 69:19675-19679.
  2. Verstraete, AG. Detection times of drugs of abuse in blood, urine, and oral fluid. Ther Drug Monit. 2004:28(2):200-205.