All about Saliva Alcohol Tests

The amount of alcohol in the person's saliva is a good measure of the amount of saliva present in the person's blood. Considering the fact that the concentration of alcohol in saliva is very likely to be similar to the blood alcohol content in the blood, saliva test is a preferred method of measuring alcohol to the blood alcohol test. They are slightly expensive than urine testing, but less than hair or blood testing. They are relatively non intrusive and are becoming more common compared to other forms of testing. They can detect the use of alcohol in the past one day or so.

Pros of Saliva Tests: In these tests, samples are acquired under direct observation, present a minimal risk of tampering, and save patients the discomfort of repeated vein punctures. They are non-invasive and present no risk of thrombosis, infection, or anemia. The total testing costs are low since no special staff training is required for sample collection. They not only detect alcohol use but also reflect recent drug use and provide a short window of detection approximately 10 to 24 hours.

Cons of Saliva Tests: They have some limitation since drugs and drug metabolites do not remain so long in the saliva as they do in urine. They are less efficient in detecting marijuana use.

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