What Is a Mouth Swab Drug Test?

A mouth swab (oral fluid) drug test detects drugs in saliva. It detects very recent use.

Advantages

• Non-invasive — no bathroom needed
• Harder to adulterate
• Detects very recent use (good for impairment testing)
• Observed collection

Detection Windows

• THC: 1–3 days
• Cocaine: 1–2 days
• Amphetamines: 1–3 days
• Opiates: 1–3 days
• Benzodiazepines: 2–3 days

Disadvantages

• Shorter detection window than urine
• Cannot detect use from days ago
• Food or drink can affect results

Who Uses Mouth Swab?

• Roadside police testing
• Workplace post-accident testing
• Some employers for random testing