Saliva Drug Screening In The UK Workplace: What You Need to Know

 

The rise of saliva drug screening in the UK workplace

In recent years, workplace drug testing has become increasingly common in the UK, with employers striving to maintain a safe, productive environment. One method gaining traction is saliva drug screening also known as oral drug screening. But what is it, why is it preferred, and what should employees and employers know about this type of drug testing? Let's dive in.

What Is saliva drug screening?

Saliva drug screening, or oral fluid drug testing as it is also known, is a non-invasive method of detecting the presence of drugs in an individual’s system. Unlike traditional urine drug screening tests, this method uses a sample of saliva (oral fluid), collected usually via a mouth swab placed inside the cheek. The saliva sample is then analysed to detect traces of various substances such as cannabis, cocaine, amphetamines, opiates, and more. This analysis can either be done using by an oral fluid drug screen device or the sample can be sent to a laboratory for a lab drug test (saliva laboratory drug test)

Why do employers choose saliva testing over other methods of drug screening?

There are several compelling reasons why UK employers are increasingly opting for saliva drug screening:

1. Non-invasive and easy to administer

Unlike blood tests, which require needles, or urine tests, which need private toilet facilities, saliva tests can be conducted almost anywhere with minimal discomfort. This ease of administration makes the process quicker and less intimidating for employees.

2. Quick results

Saliva tests typically provide results within a few minutes. This is particularly advantageous in situations where rapid decision-making is necessary, such as after a workplace incident where impairment might be a concern.

3. Detection of recent drug use

One of the standout features of saliva drug screening is its ability to detect recent drug use, usually within the past 24 to 48 hours. This makes it ideal for assessing immediate impairment, rather than long-term use, which might not necessarily affect job performance at the moment.

4. Observed sample collection 

Saliva drug screening is easier to conduct with observed sample collection compared to urine testing for several reasons:

• Less privacy invasion: Observing a saliva sample collection requires simply watching an individual swab the inside of their mouth, which is far less intrusive than observing someone provide a urine sample. This makes employees more comfortable and compliant with the process.
• No need for special facilities: Unlike urine testing, which typically requires a private bathroom to maintain privacy, saliva tests can be done anywhere, such as in an office or meeting room. This convenience reduces logistical challenges for employers.
• Reduced risk of tampering: With saliva drug tests, it's nearly impossible for individuals to alter or substitute the sample during collection. In contrast, urine tests are more susceptible to tampering, such as dilution or using fake samples, making observed urine testing more challenging and requiring stricter supervision.

The legal landscape in the UK

Employers in the UK have a duty under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 to ensure the safety of their employees and others affected by their operations. This responsibility alone, justifies the implementation of drug testing policies, particularly in high-risk industries such as transportation, logistics, construction, manufacturing and aviation. Additionally pre employment drug screening is now often part of the recruitment process in many UK companies and industries, particularly in high risk sectors.

However, it’s important to note that drug testing in the workplace must be conducted in line with data protection laws and employees’ rights. The UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) requires employers to have clear policies in place, outlining why drug testing is necessary and how the data will be used. Employees must also give their consent for testing, and random drug testing policies should be clearly communicated and included in employment contracts or handbooks.

Common drugs detected by saliva screening in the UK workplace

Saliva drug screening tests can detect a range of substances, including:

• Cannabis (THC): Usually detectable within a few hours of use, up to 24 hours. This is the most common illegal drug that is detected on workplace drug screening in the UK.
• Cocaine: Can be detected as soon as 5-10 minutes after use, up to 1-2 days later.
• Opiates (e.g., heroin, morphine): Detectable within an hour of use, up to 1-2 days later. It is important to remember that some opiates may be prescription or over the counter. 
• Amphetamines (including methamphetamine): Detectable within a few hours, up to 1-3 days.
• Benzodiazepines: Detectable for up to 2-5 days, depending on the substance. These may be have been prescribed. 
• Ketamine: while Ketamine is not always included in standard saliva drug tests in the UK, it is becoming more commonly screened for as its recreational use rises. Saliva drug screening can detect ketamine within a short window of recent use, typically 24-48 hours, making it effective for assessing current impairment. Employers interested in detecting ketamine should opt for specialised saliva drug testing kits that include a test for Ketamine in their panel, as awareness of its misuse in the workplace grows.

Saliva drug test combinations up to 13 drug groups, targeting specific drug screening requirements of heavy industry, construction and aviation are available from UK Drug Testing here. Advice on selecting an appropriate workplace drug test for your business, and free product training is available from UK Drug Testing.

Pros and cons of saliva drug screening to employers in the UK

Pros:

• Convenience and speed: Oral drug tests can be conducted on-site without special facilities, and results are quick.
• Less invasive: No need for private rooms or handling biological waste, reducing the discomfort and embarrassment for employees.
• Effective for recent use: Ideal for determining current impairment rather than historical use.

Cons:

• Short detection window: While this can be a benefit for identifying current impairment, it may not be suitable for employers looking to gauge longer-term substance use, and detection of Cannabis use is less reliable than with urine.
• Potential for contamination: Eating, drinking, or using oral hygiene products before testing may affect the drug test results, so clear guidelines must be followed before administering an oral drug test.
• Limited scope: Saliva tests may not detect certain substances that are better identified through urine drug screening tests, especially if the drug was consumed long before the test. Cannabis (THC) and Methadone detection using saliva drug screening tests can be difficult, but the recent introduction of ultra sensitive THC and saliva EDDP (a Methadone metabolite) have improved detection of these two drugs.

Have questions about saliva drug testing? Get all the answers you need on our comprehensive Saliva Drug Test FAQ page. Visit Saliva Drug Test FAQ to learn more and make informed decisions for your workplace or contact our customer support team. 

Best practices for employers implementing saliva drug screening

For UK employers considering implementing saliva drug screening, communication and transparency are crucial, and there are a few key steps to follow:

1. Create a clear Drug And Alcohol Policy: Outline the reasons for testing, the procedures involved, and the consequences of a positive result, and make sure all current and new employees are aware of the policy.
2. Ensure transparency: Inform employees of the testing policy in advance, providing clear communication about when and why drug tests will be conducted.
3. Train supervisors: Equip managers and supervisors with the training needed to conduct drug tests fairly and to handle sensitive situations with discretion. UK Drug Testing can help with training your team to use our tests. Contact our trade customer support team to find out more. 
4. Respect privacy: Conduct tests in a way that maintains employee dignity and confidentiality.
5. Provide support for employees: If an employee tests positive, consider offering access to support programs, such as counselling or rehabilitation services, rather than immediate disciplinary action. 
6. Confirm all non negative on site test result (positive drug screening results ) with a laboratory confirmation drug test.

Not sure which drug test kit is right for your workplace? Take our quick Drug Test Quiz to find the perfect solution for your needs. Get started now on our Drug Test Quiz and find the ideal kit in just a few clicks!

A Look Ahead

As drug testing technology continues to advance, saliva drug screening is likely to become even more popular in UK workplaces. With its ability to detect recent drug use quickly and easily, it offers employers a reliable tool for maintaining safety and productivity. However, balancing this with employee privacy rights and adhering to legal requirements is crucial for ensuring fair and effective implementation.

In a world where workplace safety is paramount, saliva drug screening represents a significant step forward in ensuring that employees are fit for their roles without compromising their dignity. As the UK workplace continues to evolve, so too will the tools we use to maintain it.

Ready to implement saliva drug screening in your workplace? Check out our full range of reliable and easy-to-use saliva drug testing kits designed for employers. to find the perfect solution for your business needs!

Whether you are an employer or an employee, understanding how these tests work and the legal frameworks surrounding them can help create a fair and safe working environment for everyone involved.

Have you experienced workplace drug testing, or are you an employer considering implementing it? Share your thoughts in the comments below!