Global shipping available. Free UK Shipping On All Orders Over £100

Dr Adams logo
How does a saliva drug test work, and the benefits of using them in the workplace

How does a saliva drug test work, and the benefits of using them in the workplace

Organisations are looking for easy, cost-effective methods to perform on-site testing in batches or on demand. Regular fluid testing can be problematic with samples being tampered with, or getting results to the lab within a time limit can be difficult. This is why many businesses are turning to oral fluid testing for quick and easy solutions.

Oral testing has been around for over a decade. Still, it has only been in the last several years that significant advancements have made this the obvious solution for on-site testing. Because most testing within the workplace is usually a procedure or precaution, businesses are looking for a test they could keep on-site that is easy to use. According to the Quest Diagnostic Annual Drug Test Index, up to 97% of candidates yield a negative drug result, and no further testing is required.

How are they Performed?

An oral fluid test is almost impossible to tamper with once the cotton has been swabbed. In addition, it is one of the least invasive methods of performing a drug test as no needles or urine samples are required.

The cotton swab or collection stick is brushed gently against the inside of a patient’s cheek. That sample is then analysed for substances. Most test results can be determined on-site within a few minutes, but the more complicated ones get done at the lab.

What can it detect?

The substances a saliva drug test can detect depends on the test being used. They can be used to test for any one of these substances individually or in combination when using a multi-panel drug test.

Here are some of the most common substances checked for during a mouth swab drug test and how soon they can be detected in your saliva:

  • Benzodiazepines: Also known as “Benzos”, commonly used as a form of tranquilliser. Household names include Valium and Xanax.
  • Marijuana.
  • Opiates: A common type of opiate is heroin.
  • MDMA: Commonly known as ecstasy or molly.
  • Methamphetamine: Commonly known as crystal meth.

Each drug has its specific window and results time.

Benefits of Using a Saliva Drug Test

Saliva drug tests can be accurate up to 98% of the time. But there can be some issues when testing falls out of the specific detection window or on the abilities of the person performing the test. Usually, urine and blood tests are more accurate.

The advantages of doing a saliva drug test, rather than alternatives, are:

  • It is more cost-effective than a urine or blood sample
  • Less chance of the sample being tampered with
  • It can detect substances early
  • The results are usually fast
  • The test is easy to administer

Conclusion

Salvia drug tests must be administered within a small window frame as drugs generally do not stay in the saliva for long periods. But the cost-effectiveness, user-friendly aspect and accuracy typically make it an ideal testing device within the workplace.

If you are considering drug tests in the workplace, contact one of our consultants at Dr. Adams Laboratories for advice on what products would suit your needs.

Why & how to implement effective testing procedures in the manufacturing industry

Why & how to implement effective testing procedures in the manufacturing industry

The Covid pandemic is an unprecedented health crisis, and despite exceptional vaccine rollouts, the virus persists. Covid cases are creating strain on manufacturing operations and consequently hugely impacting supply chains. Rising absence rates due to individual cases and mass outbreaks are leading to a shortage of staff, reduced output, and in some circumstances disappointed customers. In manufacturing, it’s imperative that effective lateral flow testing measures are in place to not only keep operations moving but for the health and safety of your workers.

Coronavirus will have long-lasting and possibly permanent effects on the manufacturing industry. Infection rates need to be suppressed to avoid sudden peaks in cases. This means manufacturers will need to restructure their protocols to protect their workers. Implementing effective lateral flow testing within your organisation will help enforce a more productive, safer, and resilient operation.

Implementing Covid testing procedures

Although current and prospective vaccines prove to be highly effective, the need for continuous testing for Covid in manufacturing should continue. Keeping employees healthy and safe from the spread of Covid in their working environment is crucial to keeping operations effective and running seamlessly every day. At Dr Adams Laboratories, we believe prevention is key, and here are some of our reasons why:

Diagnosis

Positive Covid cases are still rife. In the past seven days, 63,296 cases have been reported, according to Government coronavirus data. The data highlights the importance of continuing to leverage and implement testing protocols, to quickly diagnose patients who are presenting symptoms. Testing in this scenario will help you act fast in the event of an outbreak and provide reassurance for any other employees.

Safety screening

In many industries, testing will remain part of a broader strategy to monitor the spread and prevalence of Covid. This will help to protect larger groups during surges as well as to detect asymptomatic cases. Company requirements will differ depending on the extent to which employees are at risk of exposure, for example, those companies that work in closer contact will require testing more.

Widespread testing and timely diagnosis are critical in the workplace to minimise outbreaks.

Protecting your workforce

You may be asking how you can implement effective testing in your workforce. Luckily, we have the answer!

At Dr. Adams Laboratories, we are here to help. We can provide you with a stable and consistent supply of high-quality lateral flow tests, to give your facility peace of mind. All our tests are fully government-approved and CE-marked. They come in pack sizes of 5’s, 20’s, 25’s or wrapped individually, meaning you can give your employees enough tests to last your chosen testing cycle, whether it is weekly, fortnightly, or monthly.

Sustainability is at the forefront

The manufacturing industry has set policies and pathways to reach net zero by 2050, in line with the COP26 targets. We have invested time and money, working alongside one of our brands LYHER, to develop sustainably focused lateral flow packaging that is not only lighter and smaller but consists of less plastic. Our new packaging reaps sustainable benefits, by reducing the carbon footprint through logistics and usage.

Customer service

We understand that the manufacturing industry is fast-paced and can be hectic at times. That’s exactly why we always strive to provide unparalleled customer service to all our clients. We will endeavor to fulfill your supply needs as quickly as possible, with a consistent point of call.

Quick turnarounds and competitively priced

The complexities of creating a successful supply chain can be challenging, especially when crucial members of staff are absent due to Covid. Our strong relationships and direct contacts with suppliers set us apart from our competitors, allowing us to always provide lateral flow tests at low costs. We can fulfil high volume order requests within a rapid turnaround. Due to our longstanding relationship with LYHER, we can provide the fastest production time of lateral flow tests in 1-2 days from order and a general turnaround of a week. To add to this, we also have on-the-ground stock availability, that is ready for instant distribution.

When Covid exposures go unnoticed, they can spread quickly amongst teams, and sometimes lead to entire units being out of operation. It’s imperative to implement effective testing procedures to keep operations running. Get in touch with one of our experts today to find out how we can help you.

0
    0
    Your Cart
    Your cart is empty
    Open chat
    1
    Send us a message
    Hello 👋,
    Thank you for your message, a member of our team will reply during working hours, Mon-Fri 9am-5.30pm.
    How can we help you?