Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which drugs can you detect in oral fluid?

CRL's Intercept® oral fluid drug testing service, can detect the NIDA-5 drug panel (marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, and PCP) which represents the most common drugs requested by employers for workplace drug testing. Additional drug tests can be added to meet your specific needs.

2. How does the detection window for oral fluid testing compare with other methods?

Just like traditional urine testing, the window in oral fluid testing is different for each drug. However, unlike urine testing, oral fluid testing can be used to identify recent usage - during the first four hours after drug use. For most drugs, the window of detection in oral fluid is about one-to-three days. By contrast, urine testing relies on drug metabolites retained in the body's waste supply and may detect some drugs for a longer period.

3. What methodology do you employ?

Oral fluid samples are first screened at CRL using enzyme immunoassay technology, proven reliable for routine drug testing. Any samples that test positive in the screening process are then subjected to gas chromatography / mass spectrometry / mass spectrometry (GC/MS/MS), the latest, most sensitive in drug confirmation technology.

4. How is the data reported?

Results are logged into CRL's exclusive computerized information system and reported to the client in the manner that suits your needs best.

5. Can an oral fluid test be beaten?

We have studied a wide range of adulterants and have not found any that can beat our test. Of course, donors may attempt to introduce something onto the pad or collection vial. This risk is highly unlikely since every collection is directly observed.

6. Who collects the sample?

The donor collects his or her own sample under direct visual supervision by placing the collection pad in his or her cheek and gum for five minutes. Once the absorbent collection pad is saturated, the donor places it in a vial, which is then sealed and initialed. The entire process takes around 7 minutes.

7. How much does it cost?

Oral fluid can be significantly less than traditional urine testing. The primary economic advantages CRL's Intercept® oral fluid drug test is that it reduces the cost of collections, scheduling fees, and the time lost for employees to travel to collection sites.

8. What is the turnaround time?

CRL receives samples via overnight courier, tests them the day they arrive and reports negative results by early afternoon. Positive results are confirmed, reviewed and reported within 48 hours of receipt.

9. Is oral fluid a hazardous fluid?

No. Because the testing methodology is not classified as a "dental process," OSHA does not consider oral fluid collections hazardous. In addition, oral fluid specimens are not subject to the same handling and disposal issues that face other body fluids.

10. How do you know if you have enough sample to test?

If the donor keeps the collection pad in his or her mouth for at least five minutes, as indicated on the package instructions, there is enough to test. The collection pad is treated with salts to stimulate oral fluid secretion, making the process very reliable. In fact, in a comprehensive study, only 1 in 10,000 samples were reported as insufficient for testing.