Science for Scientists
  Science for the
   Rest of Us
  Science for Lawyers
  Oral Drug Levels -
   What do they mean?

What is a drug screen?

A drug screen is just that, a screen. It tells you whether a sample is negative or positive. If a screen is positive, it needs further testing; further testing is called a confirmation. While a screen gives a positive or negative result, it DOES NOT tell you how much drug is in the sample. This means you cannot tell when, how much, or exactly which drug the person has taken. This can only be done with a confirmation (see below). The positive screened sample should go for further testing to exactly identify and give a level/number for the exact drug that might be in the sample. Screens may cross react with other chemicals/drugs that are similar to each other. An example is Ephedrine and other cold pills cross reacting with a Methamphetamine or Amphetamine screen. Another reason a screen may give a false positive is due to reactions with other medications. An example of a screen is when you hold your hand to someones’ head to see if they have a fever and may be sick; a confirmation is when you use a thermometer to measure their temperature, and send a sample to the lab to determine what made them sick. Always ask for a confirmation!!

What is a drug confirmation?

A drug confirmation is when the drug is chemically identified and a level is reported, using the newest and best instruments available. These instruments are called Mass Spectrometers (MS). Mass Spectrometers, for example, can tell the difference between cold pills and Methamphetamine. Forensic Fluids Laboratories is one of only a few labs that have a tandem Mass Spectrometer or an MS/MS, which is the most sensitive instrument available.Other labs use single MS. This MS/MS makes reporting a False Positive impossible (e.g. Cold pills vs. Amphetamines), and decreases the reporting of False Negatives (our lowest level of detection is 1 ng/mL, or 1 part in a billion). This is much more sensitive than 25 to 1000 ng/mL (or 25 to 100 parts in a billion) as found in urine samples with a MS.

Why Saliva Testing?

Saliva results give you an actual drug concentration of what is in the body at the time of the test, or a measure of what is currently affecting the brain. A current urine test measures a metabolite (the drug chemicals broken down by the body) and may not correspond with brain function at all. Think of saliva as equivalent to blood serum, through the oral glands, instead of a needle.
  • Saliva testing for ease of administration can’t be beat! Collecting a sample takes 2 to 4 minutes, FAST! A person cannot cheat or tamper with it like a urine test.


  • No more gender issues. Now you can have respect, not embarrassment, with drug testing. Saliva testing puts an end to spilled urine. Testing can be done anywhere, anytime, with no special facilities (i.e. toilet).


  • Saliva may be used for pre-employment, random, post-accident, treatment, probation, and school drug testing.


  • Spend less time on administration and operations, and increase your office efficiency. Save money, while respecting your employees or clients! Saliva is the easiest way to maintain a drug-free environment.


  • Maintain Productivity - are you paying people to go somewhere to have a urine or blood test done? Are you waiting for days or even weeks to get a positive test result back?


  • Higher sensitivity - blood test sensitivity without the pain or cost!

Home - Saliva Testing - Drug Lists - References - FAQ - Contact - Drug Testing Science
Forensic Fluids Laboratories, 225 Parsons Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49007 - (888) 807-5512
Copyright © 2011 Forensic Fluids Laboratories - All rights reserved