Confirmation of drug use through saliva screening indicates the presence of specific substances in a recently ingested form. For instance, a positive reading for cannabis might suggest usage within the past few hours or days, while a positive result for cocaine could indicate use within the past few hours. This method offers a less invasive alternative to urine or blood testing and focuses on parent drugs, not metabolites, providing insight into recent usage.
Rapid, on-site results and the minimized potential for sample adulteration make saliva-based drug detection a valuable tool in various settings, such as workplaces and roadside testing. Its development has provided a practical solution for situations demanding immediate results while maintaining accuracy. This approach complements other testing methodologies, offering a distinct perspective on recent drug intake and contributing to more comprehensive substance use assessments.
