Saliva drug testing or urine testing – which is best?

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A question we’re often asked at Integrity Sampling is which is the best form of testing for drugs, saliva or urine?

Urine testing was used extensively to test for drugs before saliva drug testing was introduced. There are pros and cons for each method and indeed neither method is infallible. However, Integrity Sampling believes saliva testing is the best method. In fact, Integrity Sampling was one of the first companies to use saliva drug testing methods.

Here are some of the reasons why we do:

  • Saliva drug testing is continually improving and the testing equipment we use, the Drager 5000 drug testing unit, has received wide acclaim in Australia and overseas.
  • Drug testing using saliva is quick, with results available in minutes. This means less downtime for your business and, importantly, means people who may be under the influence of drugs are detected and safely dealt with. Laboratory based urine testing results can take days to get a result, making it difficult to safely and immediately deal with an employee you suspect of being under the influence of drugs.
  • Saliva drug testing is non-intrusive and can be done in the workplace or practically anywhere, whereas urine testing needs to be done near toilet facilities and can make some people feel uncomfortable.
  • Testing using saliva is accurate. The Drager 5000 drug testing unit has a 99% accuracy rate.

Fair Work Australia has also given saliva testing its tick of approval. Earlier this year it upheld a decision to ban urine tests at a NSW Government-owned electricity company, labeling urine testing as unjust.

Saliva drug testing is the best drug testing method

By Michael

Michael is the founder of Integrity Sampling and is responsible for overseeing all national operations. He is based at Integrity Sampling's head office in Melbourne and is also responsible for the co-ordination of drug and alcohol testing within Victoria, assisting in the implementation of drug and alcohol (fit for work) policies and the presentation of drug and alcohol education and awareness programs. You can connect with Michael Wheeldon on LinkedIn

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