TrichoTech detects problem drug use in all biological specimens but
holds a UK and European lead expertise in testing hair and oral fluids
samples.
Hair testing provides definitive profiles of drug
use or abstinence over months not days, and is the test of choice for
monitoring treatment and for the effective support of recruitment, internal
promotions, workplace and post-disciplinary testing. More
Saliva tests will detect
drugs of abuse for up to approx. 24 hours after ingestion. They are
particularly useful for checks on safety operations or for post-incident
testing.
Saliva and hair tests are practical to use: simpler, quicker and easier
to collect, transport and store than urine, they are also far more dignified
for the donor.
Drug Testing Comparison
|
|
Saliva |
Urine |
Hair |
| Window of detection |
Approx. 24 hours |
1-4 days |
1 week to 3 months or more |
| Advantages and best use |
Saliva or oral fluid is easy to collect and flexible in location but will only detect what the donor has been taking in the last 24 hours or so. If the ease and flexibility of collection is more important than an on-site result, then saliva is an appropriate choice for tests. On-site results using saliva are also now possible but are expensive. |
Cheap and quick to test with dipsticks (though there is a 'hidden' cost in terms of the location, facilities and time taken for collection). Urine tests are good for on-site results and for checking drug use over the last few days. |
Hair is more reliable and secure than urine and saliva tests and is easy to collect, dispatch and store, but must always be sent to a laboratory for the testing. Its key difference is that it gives you a longer historical profile of drug use. Use hair tests when you need be sure of drug use or abstinence over a period of time longer than a week, or would like a secure, more dignified test. One hair sample can provide a 90-day profile, similar to over 18 urine tests. |
| Disadvantages |
Saliva-testing devices and, very recently, saliva dipsticks which provide on-site results have become available but they are comparatively much more expensive than the urine dipsticks at the moment. Also require more specialist transport and storage facilities. |
Its main weaknesses are the potential for evasion and substitution, and it is unpleasant to provide and collect. Also requires more specialist transport and storage facilities. |
It will take from 48 hours to
10 working days to obtain the results. |