What Can a Mouth Swab Drug Test Detect?

Around 13% of Americans admit to having used illegal drugs at some point in the past months. This can cause all manner of issues in the workplace, from dangerous behavior to a lack of reliability. 

But many people don’t know exactly what a mouth swab drug test actually does. After all, there are all kinds of illicit substances an employee could take. Do all of these substances show up in drug test results?

If you want to learn more about what kind of substances these drug tests can detect, you’ve come to the right place. Read on to find out more about how the tests work and the substances they can detect. 

How It Works

A swab drug test can be conducted simply and quickly. The inside of the subject’s mouth is given a quick swab and their saliva is tested in a lab for any signs of narcotics.

The testing is carried out by qualified professionals who will ensure that the process is carried out efficiently and carefully. We are affiliated with national organizations including Drug and Alcohol Testing Industry Association (DATIA) and Substance Abuse Program Administrators Association (SAPAA).

We offer a full service to employers and other clients. That means we can provide testing kits and conduct the lab testing ourselves. Negative results are usually turned around in less than 24 hours, so it’s surprisingly speedy, allowing you to find out promptly if your employees are unfit to work. 

Cannabis

Cannabis use is fairly common across the United States and is now legal in many areas of the country. But it can cause problems in the workplace, including a loss of productivity, and danger when operating heavy equipment.

The signs of cannabis use aren’t as obvious as some other drugs. That’s why it’s so important to test for this drug. Employees could be using it regularly without your knowledge. 

Be cautious when taking action against employees for using cannabis. This drug is sometimes used for medicinal purposes and can be prescribed by trained medical professionals. You can get into a sticky situation if you don’t approach this issue with great caution. 

Cocaine

Cocaine is an extremely destructive drug that can cause all kinds of problems in the workplace. This drug can cause health problems in users and may also make people irritatable and erratic. 

Our multi-panel drug test detects cocaine usage quickly. Considering the problems cocaine can cause for you, it’s definitely good to know if your employees use the drug.  

Methamphetamine

It’s a sad fact that methamphetamine use is growing across the country. This widely-produced drug can have a major impact on people’s lives, making them erratic and short-tempered. 

Also, methamphetamines can be highly addictive. This could increase the risk of theft and other criminal activities against your business. 

There are lots of different types of methamphetamines and these vary in potency and side effects. Our tests detect all the different types of methamphetamine, so you can rest easy.

Opioids

The opioid epidemic is raging across America. Many people begin taking opioids for pain relief, often after they were prescribed by a doctor. But they may become addicted and begin taking excessive amounts of these drugs.

Heavy opioid use can lead to drowsiness, forgetfulness, and a loss of productivity. All of these effects could cause problems in the workplace. 

Be sure to take into account the fact that opioids are used widely for legitimate reasons. Discuss the issue with employees and your HR department before conducting tests for opioids. Depending on the relevant state laws, you could ask employees to submit a list of any medications they take which may interfere with the test. 

Alcohol

There are lots of reasons you may wish to detect alcohol consumption. If your employees are operating heavy machinery, for example, it’s vital you ensure they are sober. 

Of course, there’s nothing wrong with having a drink in the evening or after work. But a swab test can tell you in an employee has been drinking before work. This can help you to avoid workplace incidents that may be caused by intoxication. 

Following Up

If you receive a positive result from any drug test you administer, it’s time to follow up. The first thing you’ll need to do is to get a second test to ensure there are no mistakes with the drug test results. Although our tests are extremely reliable, it’s common practice to take these extra steps. 

Remember to consider any issues that may explain drug use, such as medical problems. It’s probably worth conducting an interview with any employees who test positive so you can hear their side of the story. 

Before you take any action at all, discuss everything with your HR department. It’s vital you proceed with caution, as you could face legal action if you take a misstep. While you’re likely to have just cause to terminate an employee who uses drugs, there are a lot of angles to the issue that need to be considered. 

A Reliable Mouth Swab Drug Test Provider

Keeping your employees drug-free is important to the smooth running of your business. It can help you to ensure employees are safe and reliable in the workplace. Carrying out testing can also help you to avoid potential legal action.

Looking to get access to our excellent testing services? Wherever you are in the USA, we’re just a click away. Order a test today and get a reliable mouth swab drug test provider for your business.