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Health

What is a Saliva Alcohol Test?

By Misty Amber Brighton
Updated Jan 29, 2024
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A saliva alcohol test is a product designed to determine the amount of alcohol that might be present in a person's bloodstream. It is normally used by saturating a strip of material with saliva and waiting for it to change color. The final shade can then be compared to a chart in order to see what an individual's blood alcohol level is.

This test is normally considered to be reliable and accurate because the amount of alcohol in a person's bloodstream is usually comparative to that which can be found in their saliva. Checking this level by mouth eliminates the need to stick someone with a needle in order to determine his blood alcohol level.

In order to use a saliva alcohol test, a person should swab the inside of his mouth with one end of a test strip. He should then wait the designated amount of time, which is normally around two minutes. Next, he can check the tester to see if it has changed color. After doing this, he can compare the color of it to a chart in order to estimate the amount of alcohol that is present in his bloodstream.

A number of factors can influence the accuracy of a saliva alcohol test. Some of these include waiting longer than the allotted time before checking the color. Partaking of food, drinks, or tobacco products within 15 minutes of performing this blood alcohol test can also result in an inaccurate result.

Saliva testing is often performed by employers who wish to make sure their workers are being safe on the job. It can also be used by parents, teachers, and coaches to detect the presence of alcohol in beverages that children might be carrying. Individuals can also use this product if they would like to do an alcohol test after they have been drinking, in order to make sure they can legally and safely operate a motor vehicle.

Saliva alcohol test strips can be purchased in boxes that may contain from between six and 100. They are usually acquired through a medical supply company. There is typically no special training needed in order to use this product.

These drug testing aids can be good choices for both business and personal use. This is often due to the fact that they are inexpensive and easy to use. Having these on hand can help people know when they have consumed too much alcohol so they can avoid operating dangerous machinery. This can result in fewer arrests and enhanced public safety.

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Discussion Comments

By fBoyle — On May 11, 2014

@donasmrs-- Actually, I've heard exactly the opposite, that saliva tests are more accurate than breath tests because saliva tests show an outcome that is closer to blood alcohol levels. But this was a claim made by a saliva test manufacturer, so they might be biased.

We have a secretary at our office who obviously has a drinking problem. Sometimes she has slurred speech and there is a strong alcohol odor. It's not even necessary to do a saliva test for her, but I'm curious about how much she drinks while in the office.

By donasmrs — On May 11, 2014

@SteamLouis-- I think breath alcohol testing is more accurate because this is what police officers use. And I also remember reading that a saliva alcohol test cannot be used as evidence in court. Some courts require that a breath alcohol test be submitted.

I think is because the accuracy of the saliva test can be affected by different factors. If you read the directions on saliva alcohol test strips, it says not to put anything in the mouth within fifteen minutes before the test. So obviously, eating and drinking affects the results.

By SteamLouis — On May 10, 2014
Which is more accurate -- a saliva alcohol test or a breath alcohol test?
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