CFSRE’s NPS Discovery remains committed to the surveillance of drug markets through unique and alternative sampling and testing strategies. Our laboratory collaborates with colleagues at the National Drug Early Warning System (NDEWS) at the University of Florida (UF) and researchers at New York University (NYU) for the collection of salvia (oral fluid) specimens from participants enrolling in structured interview studies about recent and past drug use, including the use of novel psychoactive substances (NPS). For more information about our saliva drug testing initiatives, contact our scientists via
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Pros of Saliva Drug Testing
- Detection Window: Saliva testing can detect recent drug use, typically within the last 24 to 48 hours. This window is shorter than a urine test but longer than a blood test. Salvia results do not correlate to impairment or effects as simply as blood results may and therefore more indicative of ingestion or exposure.
- Non-Invasive & Ease of Use: Collection kits are simple to use and don't require specialized facilities. Saliva collection is simple and can be done on-site with minimal privacy concerns, especially during the interview process.
- Comprehensive Drug Testing Panel: The CFSRE employs a comprehensive drug testing strategy for the analysis of salvia specimens which allows for an accurate and more complex picture relative to recent drug use or substance exposure.
Cons of and Limitations to Saliva Drug Testing
- Variable Results: The amount of drug present in saliva and therefore detectable can be affected by many factors, including hydration and the amount of saliva produced, pH levels, and route of drug use, among other factors.
- Oral Contamination: Because many drugs are consumed orally, the drugs present in salvia can arise from the drug product itself rather than individual’s blood stream. This also means that the mouth can be contaminated with drugs for other sources (e.g., inhaled smoke, shared sources).
- Limited Non-Drug Scope of Testing: While the CFSRE tests for most drugs of forensic relevance, our testing does not include all drugs and substances. For example, our salvia testing does not include alcohol (ethanol), metals, some therapeutic drugs, and other environmental toxins.
