THC Saliva Tests (Cannabis): 15 ng/ml vs 50 ng/ml
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Not all saliva THC tests are equal. The detection threshold, expressed in ng/ml, directly affects the test's ability to detect recent or low use. In France, the reference saliva THC threshold under the Highway Code is set at 15 ng/ml. A THC test at 50 ng/ml is therefore less sensitive for this molecule and may not meet the same prevention requirements.
Key point: this article mainly concerns THC in saliva. The THC threshold should not be confused with thresholds for other families: cocaine, amphetamines, MDMA, opiates, or methamphetamines may have their own regulatory or technical thresholds depending on the test and context of use.
Why saliva screening has become essential
The saliva test is now one of the most used tools to detect recent drug use. It is fast, non-invasive, easy to implement, and suitable for prevention contexts: road safety, workplace, transport, events, self-testing, or professional support.
Speed
Saliva sampling is simple and provides a quick initial indication without heavy equipment or urine sampling.
Recent use
Saliva is particularly relevant when looking for recent exposure to a substance, especially in a driving or high-risk job context.
Prevention
A saliva test can be used as a guidance and discussion tool, provided the device is suitable for the context and its limitations are well understood.
15 ng/ml vs 50 ng/ml: understanding the difference
The detection threshold corresponds to the minimum concentration at which the test can react to a substance. For saliva THC, the lower the threshold, the more sensitive the test.
THC test at 15 ng/ml
- More sensitive threshold for saliva THC
- Aligned with the threshold set by the French decree of December 13, 2016, for roadside saliva THC screening
- Better suited for serious self-testing, road safety, and demanding environments
- Reduces the risk of missing a low or recent concentration
THC test at 50 ng/ml
- Less sensitive threshold for salivary THC
- May be suitable for some general uses or foreign markets depending on objectives
- Higher risk of negative result if concentration is below 50 ng/ml
- Less consistent when trying to approach the French threshold used for road THC screening
Warning: a more sensitive test does not mean it “authorizes” or “prohibits” driving on its own. A rapid test result must be interpreted cautiously, according to the instructions, context, and, if necessary, confirmed by an appropriate analysis.
What French regulations say about salivary thresholds
The decree of December 13, 2016 sets the procedures for screening substances indicating drug use under the Road Code. For saliva screening, the minimum detection threshold for THC is set at 15 ng/ml of saliva.
Why it’s important: comparing only “15 ng/ml” and “50 ng/ml” without specifying the molecule can be misleading. For salivary THC, 15 ng/ml is the reference threshold mentioned in the French road regulations. For other substances, thresholds may differ.
CE standards, ISO 13485, and French manufacturing: why it matters
A saliva test is a screening device that must be chosen carefully. Quality depends not only on price or the number of substances displayed, but also on traceability, compliance, instructions, manufacturer, detection threshold, and quality control.
CE marking
The CE marking indicates that the device meets the applicable European requirements for safety, performance, and market placement.
ISO 13485
The ISO 13485 standard concerns quality management systems for medical devices. It is a strong signal of industrial reliability and process control.
French manufacturing
Drugdiag® Toda Pharma tests distributed by AMA Prévention are designed in France, with traceability, customer support, and field expertise adapted to the needs of professionals.
Warning: some imported tests show attractive prices, but with limited traceability, poorly indicated thresholds, insufficient instructions, or information difficult to verify. For serious use, these elements must be checked before purchase.
Drugdiag® Toda Pharma vs less sensitive THC tests: the clear comparison
To avoid tables that are hard to read on mobile, here are the essential criteria to compare before buying a THC saliva test.
Drugdiag® Toda Pharma
- Tests made by a French laboratory
- CE marking
- Manufactured under ISO 13485 quality system
- Saliva THC threshold available at 15 ng/ml depending on reference
- Solution adapted to professionals, companies, institutions, and individuals
- AMA Prévention customer support and test choice assistance
- Products used by demanding actors such as the French Army and SNCF according to the references concerned
Competing tests require increased vigilance
- THC threshold sometimes at 50 ng/ml, thus less sensitive for THC saliva
- Origin or manufacturer sometimes hard to identify
- Instructions, compliance, or documentation sometimes insufficient
- Limited or nonexistent customer support
- Risk of choosing a product unsuitable for the French context
- Difficult comparison if thresholds are not clearly displayed
Remember: a saliva test should never be chosen based on price alone. For THC, the threshold, compliance, origin, instructions, and support are decisive.
How to choose the right THC saliva test?
The right test depends on the use: self-monitoring, road safety, company, community, transport, high-risk professional environment, or occasional need. The 15 ng/ml threshold is particularly relevant when looking for a more sensitive THC saliva test consistent with the French road framework.
For an individual
A THC saliva test at 15 ng/ml is recommended for serious self-monitoring, especially when someone wants to check recent consumption before driving again or as part of personal prevention.
For a company
The choice of test must be consistent with the positions concerned, internal regulations, prevention obligations, confidentiality, and the chosen protocol. Screening must remain proportionate and controlled.
For transport
Driving professions, school transport, public transport, logistics, and security positions require special attention. The Joana Plan strengthens this prevention and screening approach in school transport.
Need a suitable THC saliva test?
AMA Prévention offers reliable, CE-certified saliva tests, made in France and adapted to the needs of individuals, companies, healthcare professionals, communities, and transport stakeholders.
Company, road safety and the Joana Plan: a major prevention topic
In a company, saliva screening must not be improvised. It must be part of a prevention policy, be proportionate to the risks, concern truly sensitive positions, and respect applicable internal rules.
Professional framework
- Identify safety positions or positions at risk
- Include the procedures in the internal regulations when necessary
- Inform employees and respect confidentiality
- Provide an appropriate dispute or confirmation procedure
- Never use the test as an arbitrary or humiliating tool
Joana Plan and school transport
The Joana Plan, announced in 2025, aims to strengthen road safety in school transport. It notably emphasizes awareness, prevention, screening, vehicle safety, user responsibility, sanctions, and control capabilities.
Important legal reference: the Council of State has validated the principle of salivary tests in internal regulations under conditions, notably when the device is proportionate to the functions concerned and meets a safety objective.
Consequences of a poor test choice
Choosing a less sensitive or poorly documented test may seem economical at first, but the real cost can be high if the product is not suited to the context of use.
Risk of false sense of security
A THC test at 50 ng/ml can be negative while a more sensitive test at 15 ng/ml could have reacted. This can lead to a misinterpretation of the risk.
Professional risk
In a company, a poorly chosen or poorly integrated test in the protocol can create tensions, disputes, or ineffective prevention on sensitive positions.
Road risk
A negative self-test never constitutes permission to drive. The only completely safe driving remains the absence of consumption of substances that can impair alertness.
Warning message: in case of a road check, official procedures and results from the legal framework are authoritative. A test purchased online is a self-check and prevention tool, not a legal guarantee.
Frequently asked questions about salivary THC tests
Is a THC test at 15 ng/ml more sensitive than a test at 50 ng/ml?
Yes. For salivary THC, a threshold of 15 ng/ml is more sensitive than a threshold of 50 ng/ml. It can therefore detect lower concentrations.
Is the THC threshold of 15 ng/ml the threshold used in the French road context?
The decree of December 13, 2016 sets the minimum THC detection threshold at 15 ng/ml of saliva for saliva screening under the Highway Code.
Does a negative saliva test allow you to drive?
No. A negative saliva test never authorizes driving. It can guide decisions but does not replace caution, abstinence, or official procedures.
Can a saliva test be used in the workplace?
Yes, under strict conditions. Screening must be proportionate, regulated, provided for in applicable rules, limited to relevant positions, and respect employees’ rights.
Does the THC saliva test also detect CBD?
The test detects THC, not CBD itself. However, some CBD products may contain traces of THC that can be detected depending on the amount consumed, frequency, actual product composition, and test sensitivity.
Should you choose a 5-drug test, 6-drug test, or THC-only test?
It depends on the goal. To detect only cannabis, a THC-only test may suffice. For broader screening, a multi-drug test can detect THC, cocaine, amphetamines, methamphetamines, MDMA, opiates, or benzodiazepines depending on the reference.
Conclusion: for saliva THC, the 15 ng/ml threshold is the most consistent choice in France
The detection threshold is one of the most important criteria when choosing a THC saliva test. A 15 ng/ml test is more sensitive than a 50 ng/ml test and is closer to the threshold set by French regulations for saliva THC in road contexts.
For individuals, companies, healthcare professionals, local authorities, and transport operators, the right choice depends on several factors: appropriate threshold, CE marking, reliable manufacturing, clear instructions, serious support, and understanding the test’s limitations.
Drugdiag® Toda Pharma tests distributed by AMA Prevention follow this logic: reliable, certified devices, made in France and designed for rigorous prevention.
Road safety reminder
Driving under the influence of drugs exposes you to serious risks: accidents, penalties, license suspension, prosecution, and endangering others. If in doubt, do not drive.
Official sources and useful resources
- Légifrance — Order of December 13, 2016 setting the procedures for drug screening under the Highway Code
- Council of State — Decision No. 394178 of December 5, 2016 on saliva tests in the workplace
- Ministry of the Interior — Joana Plan for strengthening school transport road safety
- AMA Prevention — Drugdiag® Saliva Tests
- AMA Prevention — Quote request for companies and professionals
