Everything You Need to Know About Saliva Testing: From Drug Detection to Medical Use
Saliva testing: a versatile tool for health and safety
Saliva tests have gained popularity in recent years, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. Used in various fields, they not only allow drug screening, but also to detect diseases such as COVID-19, influenza, or HIV. Discover in this article how these tests work, their different applications and their limitations.
Saliva tests for drug screening
When and why are they used?
Saliva tests are frequently used by law enforcement during road checks. According to the Highway Code (articles L 235-2, R 235-3, R 235-4 and R 235-6), they can be carried out in the event of an accident, an offence or during mass screening operations. These tests help combat driving under the influence of psychoactive substances, a major factor in road accidents.
What substances can be detected?
Saliva tests can detect a wide range of drugs:
- THC (cannabis) : up to 6 hours after occasional consumption, and up to 24 hours for regular consumption.
- Cocaine and crack : detectable up to 24 hours after consumption.
- Amphetamines, opiates and benzodiazepines : with a detection time of up to 48 hours.
These tests are also available in a self-test version for personal use, and can be purchased on specialized sites such as AMA Prévention.
Medical use of saliva tests
Detection of COVID-19 and influenza
Since the pandemic, saliva tests have been used to detect viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) and influenza. Their simplicity and speed have made them a popular alternative to nasopharyngeal tests.
HIV testing
Approved by the FDA since 2004, saliva tests for HIV allow for rapid and non-invasive detection. Although they are not reimbursed in France, they offer an accessible solution for screening.
Hormonal tests
Saliva tests can also measure levels of hormones such as cortisol, progesterone or testosterone. These tests are particularly useful for diagnosing hormonal imbalances related to fertility or menopause.
Detection of hepatitis
Research is underway to develop saliva tests capable of detecting hepatitis (A, B, C, E), which would open up new perspectives for rapid screening.
How do saliva tests work?
Saliva tests are based on collecting a sample of saliva using an absorbent stick or strip. They use the principle of competition between antibodies and antigens: if a targeted substance (drug or virus) is present, a colored line appears on the test to indicate a positive result.
The advantages and disadvantages of saliva tests
Benefits
- Speed : Results are obtained in minutes, making them ideal for emergency screenings.
- Non-invasive : Unlike blood tests, these tests do not require a needle, making them suitable for children or people with phobias.
- Versatility : They can be used to detect drugs, viruses or hormonal imbalances.
Disadvantages
- Limited reliability : Saliva tests can detect traces of THC from legal products like CBD, which can lead to false positive results.
- Variable accuracy : Although effective, these tests are not as accurate as laboratory analyses.
- Short detection window : GHB, for example, disappears quickly from the body, limiting the possibilities of screening after a few hours.
Why test yourself before getting tested?
It is essential for drivers and individuals to check their condition before any official test. Self-tests, such as those available from AMA Prevention, allow you to anticipate a possible check and avoid heavy penalties, such as the loss of points on your license or substantial fines.
Conclusion: essential tools for health and prevention
Saliva tests are proving to be valuable tools in many settings, from ensuring road safety to early disease detection. Their ease of use and versatility make them a popular choice, although it is important to be aware of their limitations. As technology advances, these tests will continue to improve, providing even more reliable solutions to meet the growing needs for screening and prevention.
Optimize your safety and health
Discover the saliva tests available on AMA Prevention and take a proactive approach to your health and safety.
