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Oral fluid testing analyzes a saliva sample for parent drugs and their metabolites.  An absorbent collection device is placed in the mouth and the saliva collected is screened for drugs of abuse. Samples are checked to verify the saliva is human and undiluted. 

It is important to note that Omega’s oral fluid drug testing is a completely laboratory-based process.  While some instant oral fluid collection devices may be available, note that they are often not properly cleared and are not sensitive enough to detect usage of certain drug classes.  It is for these reasons that a laboratory-based process must be used in order to secure valid results.

Omega’s 6-Panel oral fluid drug test can detect marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamine, methamphetamine (including Ecstasy), and PCP, which represent the most common drugs requested by employers for workplace drug testing. Additional drugs included in the 10-Panel test are oxycodone, barbiturates, methadone and benzodiazepines.

For most drugs, the window of detection in oral fluid is typically 24-48 hours.

Oral fluid testing can detect drugs in the saliva roughly 30-60 minutes after ingestion.  This short timeframe makes it an excellent test for post-accident and reasonable suspicion testing situations.

Like traditional urine testing, the window of detection in oral fluid testing is different for each drug. Of most significance is that oral fluid testing identifies recent usage that may be missed by urine testing. By contrast, urine testing relies on drug metabolites retained in the body's waste supply and will detect drugs for 24-72 hours.

A review of data from over 4.5 million oral fluid tests shows positive rates comparable to laboratory urine testing.

Enzyme-immunoassay antibodies (EIA), similar to those used to test urine, are used for the initial screening test for drugs of abuse in saliva. Therefore the potential for substances such as over-the-counter medications to cause a false positive screening result does exist. To eliminate this possibility, Omega confirms all positive results by LC/MS/MS.

Samples received by Omega Laboratories will report out within 1-3 business days.

A wide range of adulterants have been studied and none have been found that can beat our oral fluid drug test system. Of course, donors may attempt to introduce something onto the collection pad or into the collection vial. However, this risk is highly unlikely since every collection is directly and easily observed. Dilution tactics often employed to beat urine tests are not effective in oral fluid testing.

The donor collects his or her own sample under the direct visual supervision of a trained collector.  The donor places the collection pad between his or her lower cheek and gum, saturates the absorbent collection pad, places it in a vial, then seals and initials the vial in preparation for transport.  The entire process takes approximately five minutes and is very difficult to challenge as the donor has performed the collection while under observation.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) does not consider oral fluid specimens to be hazardous. In addition, oral fluid specimens are not subject to the same handling and disposal issues that face other bodily fluids.

Omega Laboratories has partnered with OraSure Technologies, Inc. and uses the Intercept® collection device.   The Intercept device has been used to process over 15 million samples over the last 10+ years on the market.  This includes over 4.5 million workplace samples showing comparable positive rates to urine testing.  Additionally, the Intercept has been upheld in multiple court cases in criminal justice and family courts.

Intercept® is a registered trademark of OraSure Technologies, Inc.