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. Of most significance is that oral fluid testing identifies recent usage – during the first four hours after drug use – that can be missed by urine testing. 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.
Just like traditional urine testing, the window in oral fluid testing is different for each drug. What we have found interesting is that oral fluid testing identifies recent usage – during the first four hours after drug use – that can be missed by urine testing. 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.
