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February 17, 2023
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Drug testing has become an important aspect of the medical field, particularly in workplaces and rehabilitation centers. Traditional forms of drug testing, such as urine and blood tests, can be invasive and may not always provide accurate results.
Fortunately, oral fluid testing has emerged as a convenient and reliable alternative.
Oral fluid testing, also known as saliva testing, is a non-invasive method of detecting drugs in a person’s system. Oral fluid testing is being considered by the Department of Transportation (DOT) as an acceptable drug testing method for workplaces. (1)
Let’s look at how oral fluid testing compares to traditional drug testing methods and discuss its benefits in various settings.
Oral fluid testing is a painless testing method for drugs in the body. The test involves collecting a saliva specimen from the individual, which is then analyzed for the presence of drugs. Oral fluid testing can detect recent drug use, unlike urine and blood tests which can only see past drug use. (2) It is becoming increasingly popular in medical offices, workplaces, and rehabilitation centers to monitor drug use and ensure safety.
The collection process is simple, taking only a few minutes, and the results are typically accurate and reliable.
One of the most significant advantages of oral fluid testing is its non-invasive nature. Unlike urine and blood tests, which require bodily fluids to be collected, oral fluid testing only requires a small saliva sample. That makes the process much more comfortable for the tested individual and eliminates concerns about privacy and hygiene. (3)
Another advantage of oral fluid testing is its quick and easy collection process. The individual needs to provide a saliva sample, which can be collected using a simple swab or brush. This process takes minutes and can be completed in the comfort of a medical office.
Oral fluid testing is also highly accurate and reliable. The test has a high sensitivity, meaning it can detect even small amounts of drugs in the system. Furthermore, oral fluid testing is not affected by factors such as hydration levels or certain medications, which can cause inaccuracies in urine and blood tests.
Another advantage of oral fluid testing is its ability to detect recent drug use. Urine and blood tests can only detect past drug use, whereas oral fluid testing can detect drugs consumed within the previous 24 to 48 hours. That makes it an ideal choice for workplaces and rehabilitation centers where it is essential to monitor current drug use.
Finally, oral fluid testing is cost-effective compared to other forms of testing. It requires minimal equipment, and samples can be analyzed quickly and efficiently, making it a cost-effective option for medical offices.
One of the most common uses is pre-employment drug screening. Employers can use oral fluid testing to ensure that new hires are not under the influence of drugs, which can improve safety and productivity in the workplace.
Random drug testing in workplaces is another application of oral fluid testing. That can help employers to identify and address any issues with drug use among their employees.
Oral fluid testing can also monitor patients undergoing pain management treatment to ensure they are not using drugs other than their prescribed medications.
Testing for patients in rehabilitation or addiction treatment programs is another application of oral fluid testing. Rehabilitation centers can use oral fluid testing to monitor patients’ progress and ensure they are not using drugs. That can be essential for preventing relapses and helping patients achieve long-term recovery.
Keystone Laboratory is a professional laboratory specializing in oral fluid testing, among many other forms of drug testing. We can help medical offices and other organizations with drug testing by promptly providing accurate and reliable results. Some of the ways that Keystone Laboratory can help with oral fluid testing include:
Sample Collection and Analysis: Keystone Laboratory can provide the equipment and instructions for collecting oral fluid samples and analyzing them in their laboratory using state-of-the-art technology.
Accurate and Reliable Results: We provide advanced techniques and equipment to ensure that the results of oral fluid testing are valid and reliable. They also have strict quality control procedures to ensure that the results are consistent and meet industry standards.
Timely Turnaround: Keystone Laboratory understands the importance of timely results and aims to provide results as soon as possible. We have a quick turnaround time for oral fluid testing, which means that organizations can receive their results quickly and make decisions on time.
Customizable Testing Options: We offer a range of testing options that can be customized to meet the needs of different organizations. We can test for a variety of drugs and can adapt their testing protocols to suit the specific needs of their clients.
Technical support: Furthermore, we provide technical support to our clients throughout the testing process. Our knowledgeable and experienced staff are to answer any questions and provide guidance on sample collection and analysis.
In conclusion, oral fluid testing offers a convenient and reliable alternative to traditional drug testing. Its non-invasive nature, quick(4) and easy collection process, high accuracy and reliability, ability to detect recent drug use, and cost-effectiveness make it an ideal choice for medical offices.
Keystone Laboratories, a CAP-accredited North Carolina licensed laboratory and CLIA-licensed lab, is committed to helping you make important decisions that impact the safety and health of your patients with greater confidence. Clients in 48 states can get prescription drug and substance abuse recovery monitoring, specialized testing, workplace drug testing, screening, and program management services from Keystone. Contact Keystone Laboratories today to receive the industry-leading laboratory testing services!
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