Did a surprise mouth swab drug test catch you off guard? Since your saliva reveals substances you took within only half an hour, you have every reason to panic…
Or do you? We’ve researched solutions to your problems for hours and found two methods that actually work.By the end of this article, you’ll know how to pass a saliva drug test without raising eyebrows.
What Is a Mouth Swab Drug Test?
A mouth swab drug test is a screening test that detects drug metabolites in human saliva.It’s one of the least invasive tests, as it doesn’t entail needles or hair-pulling.
- Alternative names: saliva drug test, swab drug test, oral fluid drug test, oral drug test
What to Expect on a Mouth Swab Test?
Pre-test prep: You shouldn’t eat or drink anything 10 minutes before your mouth swab drug test.
In total, the test takes up to 10 minutes too:
- The collector swabs the inside of your cheeks with a stick that has a sponge or an absorbent pad on one end.
- The sample is sent to the lab or analyzed on-site.
You can expect your results within a few minutes if the analysis is done on-site or within 48 hours if your saliva needs to be sent to the lab.
For How Long Can Drugs Be Detected in Your Saliva?
A mouth swab drug test is used to detect recent drug use, i.e. drug use that occurred up to a few days prior to the test. In cases of most drugs, the metabolites will stay in your saliva for only up to 72 hours:
Drug | Detection time |
Alcohol | 12 hours |
Marijuana (THC) | Up to 4 days |
Amphetamines | 3 days |
Methamphetamines | 3 days |
Cocaine | 3 days |
Ecstasy (MDMA) | 3 days |
This means your saliva may show that you’ve taken a drug within a very short time frame:
“Substances are typically detectable in oral fluid within about 30 minutes of ingestion. This is much faster than other tests. The short time frame makes them especially effective for screening after an accident or in reasonable suspicion situations.”
– Adrienne Santos-Longhurst, medically reviewed by Dena Westphalen, Pharm.D.[1]
Just because saliva tests can detect drugs taken within only 72 hours doesn’t mean they’re not effective. In fact, research shows that a swab drug test catches more drug-users than a urine drug test.
Note that even nicotine could get you flagged.Try not to smoke for at least 48 hours before your test to remove any possibility of getting positive test results.
Pass a Mouth Swab Test with Home Remedies
Using home remedies is the least expensive method of eliminating drugs from your system—but does it really work?There’s no scientific evidence that would suggest so. Then again, there isn’t much research done on the effect of home remedies on drug metabolites.
That’s why I’ll suggest three methods that could help you pass your saliva test. Just note that there are no guarantees.
1. Listerine
Listerine is an antiseptic that kills mouth fungi and bacteria. Again, there’s no evidence that it does the same with drug metabolites.
Instructions:
- Put Listerine strips on the inside of both cheeks and under your tongue. Let them dissolve.
- Rinse your mouth with Listerine 30 minutes prior to your test.
- Rinse your mouth with water to remove traces of Listerine. [2]
2. Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is an antiseptic used to disinfect cuts for cleaning purposes or as a detox mouthwash. A 3% solution of this antiseptic supposedly rids your saliva of drug metabolites too. Make sure you don’t ingest the solution if you decide to try this method because it may cause some internal damage and other health problems.
Instructions:
- Keep the solution in your mouth for a minute. Gargle and suck it back and forth.
- Spit out the solution.
- Rinse your mouth.
3. Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is effective for eliminating mouth bacteria. This led to some drinking vinegar to try and pass their drug tests. Unfortunately, we don’t know how effective it was. If you decide to give it a go, you’ll at least keep your mouth healthy—though, perhaps, not drug-free.
Instructions
- Mix a tablespoon of vinegar with 2dcL of water.
- Put the mixture in your mouth and gargle.
- Spit out the mixture.
- Rinse your mouth.
Recommended Article: Home Remedies for Passing a Saliva Drug Test
Detox Products
Home remedies may be cheap, but they aren’t reliable. The best way to pass an oral drug test is to purchase specialized products. Here are two that most test-takers swear by.
1. Chewing Gum
Detox chewing gums were developed precisely to help drug users who are short on time pass a mouth swab drug test.While there’s no shortage of gums you can purchase on the market, most people use the same product—Oral Clear gum.
Its main ingredients are:
- Hydrogen (3%) peroxide
- Aspartame
- Acesulfame
Note that the gum will clear your body of traces of THC or other drugs for only up to two hours.This means you’ll have to chew it right before your saliva drug test to avoid getting a positive result.
Instructions:
- Remove the wrapping and bite into the gum capsule.
- Chew for at least 30 seconds.
- Spit out the chewing gum.
- Rinse your mouth.
2. Detox Mouthwash
Detox mouthwash is yet another product developed to help test-takers pass a mouth swab drug test.How to use it can vary based on the manufacturer but here are general instructions.
Instructions:
- Use the mouthwash 15 minutes prior to your test.
- Spit it out (or swallow it—most mouthwashes have no side effects).
- Rinse.
How to Pass a Mouth Swab Drug Test without Getting Caught?
If you want to pass a mouth swab drug test in the easiest way possible, follow our best tips on getting through the testing without raising red flags:
- Prepare on time. Stop taking drugs as soon as your saliva drug testing is announced. This way, you’ll automatically minimize the chances of drug metabolites being found in your oral fluids. A good rule of thumb is to abstain from narcotics for at least 72 hours before saliva drug tests.
- Purchase drug testing kits and take mouth swab tests at home. To know for sure that your test results will come back negative, try to pass a mouth swab at home.
- Run to the toilet. Well, don’t really run. But, if you have a surprise test, definitely hurry and use your gum or mouthwash discreetly in the toilet.
What Happens If You Fail Your Saliva Drug Test?
If you fail your saliva test, your report will show a positive result.Depending on why you took the test in the first place, one of these things could happen:
- Your employer invites you for a conversation or even fires you.
- Your doctor better determines how to treat you.
- Your sports organization removes you from the team.
With that said, passing a saliva test isn’t rocket science, and you don’t have to take risks. You know already know how to pass without raising eyebrows.
Read More:
- How to Pass a Nicotine Test?
- How to Pass a Fingernail Drug Test?
- How to Clean Out Your System in 24 Hours?
FAQs
What to do if I don’t pass a mouth swab drug test?
If you don’t pass a mouth swab drug test, you can only retake it in the future. Your report will state that you tested positive.
If you haven’t consumed drugs, you should test again and notify the people in charge of the prescription drugs you’re using. They could have affected your initial results.
Can you pass a mouth swab test with Listerine?
Some say that you can, but we wouldn’t bet on it. The best product to use to pass a mouth swab is a detox mouthwash or gum.
Conclusion: What’s the Most Effective Way to Pass a Mouth Swab Drug Test?
The best way to pass a mouth swab drug test is to use chewing gums or mouthwashes that are developed precisely to eliminate drug metabolites from your body. Apart from that, we know that your saliva will only show narcotics you’ve used within 72 hours.
Compare that to urine tests that can detect substances you used in the past few months, and one thing becomes clear—to pass a mouth swab, you just need to abstain from narcotics for 3 days. Unless you have a surprise test, this is the best and only strategy you need.
References:
- https://www.healthline.com/health/mouth-swab-drug-test
- https://greenfleets.org/blog/can-pass-mouth-swab-drug-test-using-listerine/
Lisa Burdick
About The Author
Lisa is a content writer, blogger, and entrepreneur. When she is not managing her business, Colonial Stores, Lisa spends most of her time researching about synthetic urine products to review. She loves sharing her learnings in a form of blogging that’s why she built a website to connect with many people. You can read more about me here.
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FAQs
How to Pass a Mouth Swab Drug Test (5 Simple Hacks)? ›
Drugs in hair may be detectable for up to 90 days, whereas drugs in urine are generally detectable for one to seven days (or longer in chronic users) and in oral fluid from five to 48 hours.
How long do I have to be clean to pass an oral drug test? ›Drugs in hair may be detectable for up to 90 days, whereas drugs in urine are generally detectable for one to seven days (or longer in chronic users) and in oral fluid from five to 48 hours.
What can be detected in a saliva test? ›Saliva testing is used to screen for or diagnose numerous conditions and disease states, including Cushing's disease, anovulation, HIV, cancer, parasites, hypogonadism, and allergies.
How much can a mouth swab drug test detect? ›Swab tests check for the presence of THC, which stays in the saliva before it is metabolized. A mouth swab test can detect marijuana use within the last 24 hours. With urine or blood tests, its metabolites can be detected for up to six weeks for heavy users.
How do you flush Delta 8 out of your system? ›Drinking plenty of water is the best way to flush delta 8 out of your system as quickly as possible. Drinking plenty of water can help to flush substances out of your body, including delta 8. Prioritize staying hydrated.
What causes false negative drug test? ›False-negatives can occur when the urine drug concentration is below the threshold level set by the laboratory performing the test. Dilute urine, the duration of time between ingestion of the drug and time of testing, and the quantity of the drug ingested may affect the occurrence of false-negatives.
How do you know if your saliva test is positive? ›The COVID-19 Antigen Saliva Test is a qualitative membrane-based immunoassay for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 antigens in human saliva samples. When the antigen in the sample reaches the Test area (T) of the membrane, it will form a coloured line.
What does it mean when a mouth swab drug test turns blue? ›A. Once the Oral-Eze sample adequacy window turns blue indicating that a sufficient sample has been collected, instruct the donors to simply place their thumb on the ridges of the collector handle and slide forward (not push down) to detach the pad into the collection tube.
Do saliva tests detect alcohol? ›Saliva alcohol tests can detect an individual's blood alcohol concentration level anywhere from 10 to 24 hours after consumption, after which it is completely metabolized and no longer detectable.
Are saliva drug tests more accurate? ›Oral fluid testing allows employers to test in a shorter detection timeframe to provide a better indication of potential impairment. However, it must be noted, that a non-negative result from oral fluid testing does not always equal impairment within the workplace.
Does the DOT do saliva drug testing? ›
The DOT's new final rule gives employers the option of using a urine or oral fluid test. The rule requires employers to use oral fluid testing for transgender or nonbinary individuals and when a direct observation is required but a same-gender technician cannot be found. The new rule takes effect on June 1, 2023.
What are the results of the Oraltox drug test? ›The intensity of the test lines may vary. Any line, without regard to intensity, color or size, is a line and indicates a negative result for that drug. A PRESUMPTIVE POSITIVE result is indicated when only one colored band appears in the control region (C), and no apparent colored band appearing in the test region (T).
How long does delta-8 stay in saliva? ›Saliva. Saliva drug tests can detect Delta 8 THC for one to 29 days after the last use.
How long does a few hits of delta-8 stay in your system? ›Because their structures are similar, delta-8 is expected to stay in the body for the same amount of time as delta-9 THC. For occasional users, this could be as little as 2 to 5 days. For regular users, it could be up to 15 days.
How long will one puff of delta-8 stay in your system? ›In summary, delta 8 THC will remain in the system for about two days if you've only used it once or twice. If you take delta 8 often or in high doses, you may need to wait somewhere between 2 and 4 weeks to be cleared from the body completely.
What could interfere with a drug test? ›- Secondhand Marijuana Smoke. 1/11. If you hang out often with someone who puffs on pot, your urine could have traces of THC. ...
- Weight Loss Pills. 2/11. ...
- Poppy Seeds. 3/11. ...
- Mouthwash. 4/11. ...
- Antidepressants. 5/11. ...
- Antibiotics. 6/11. ...
- CBD Oil. 7/11. ...
- Antihistamines. 8/11.
Amphetamine (more on this below) and methamphetamine are the most commonly reported false positive.
How do you fight a false drug test? ›- Step one: be transparent. If you use prescription medications or regularly eat foods like poppy seeds, notify the person testing you so they can take this into account. ...
- Step two: consult a professional. ...
- Step three: opt for a re-test.
BEFORE YOUR TEST
Eat or drink in the 30 minutes prior to your appointment. You also should not use mouthwash, chewing gum, tobacco products or nasal sprays.
In addition, asymptomatic people infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 may not shed enough virus to reach the limit of detection of the test, giving a false negative result.
What not to do before a rat test? ›
Eating, drinking, chewing gum, brushing your teeth or smoking before a saliva test. These can give an inaccurate result. So wait 30 minutes before taking a saliva sample.
Does gum affect mouth swab drug test? ›Oral fluid production is stimulated by use of agents such as citric acid candy, chewing gum or other agents. This will inevitably change the pH and concentration of drug in the oral fluid.
What are the colors of the oral tox drug test? ›- Red: Indicates the presence of alcohol.
- Green: Indicates the presence of THC (marijuana)
- Yellow: Indicates the presence of amphetamines, methamphetamines, or ecstasy.
- Blue: Indicates the presence of opiates, including heroin, morphine, and codeine.
While many people think of oral fluid and saliva being synonymous, they aren't. For clarification, saliva is just one component of oral fluid; the drug testing completed by Quest Diagnostics is on “oral fluid.”
How to cheat a mouth swab test for alcohol? ›- Mouthwash: One of the most popular adulterants.
- Detox Drinks: When used immediately before an oral fluid test.
- Mints, Citric Acid Candy, or Chewing Gum: Changing pH.
Alcohol detection tests can measure alcohol in the blood for up to 6 hours, on the breath for 12 to 24 hours, urine for 12 to 24 hours (72 or more hours with more advanced detection methods), saliva for 12 to 24 hours, and hair for up to 90 days.
Can mouthwash with alcohol make you fail a drug test? ›Mouthwash and Breath Strips: Most mouthwashes (Listermint®, Cepacol®, etc.) and other breath cleansing products contain ethyl alcohol. The use of mouthwashes containing ethyl alcohol can produce a positive test result.
What is the most effective drug test? ›Blood testing is expensive and invasive, but is the most reliable for determining if the individual is under the influence of drugs or alcohol right now. Hair testing has the longest detection window, nearly 90 days, and is the least invasive method of all, but also has the highest cost.
What's the difference between a urine drug test and a swab drug test? ›Urine Testing: Urine-based testing has a longer detection window, for most drugs, from 24-72 hours, whereas oral fluid testing is 24-36 hours for water-soluble drugs. The biggest difference is in the detection window of THC. Since THC is fat-soluble rather than water-soluble, it does not cross directly into oral fluid.
What does a 10 panel drug test test for? ›Amphetamines | Methamphetamines, meth, speed, ecstasy |
---|---|
THC | Cannabinoids, marijuana, hash |
Cocaine | Coke, crack |
Opiates | Heroin, opium, codeine, morphine |
Phencyclidine | PCP, angel dust |
What is the intercept oral drug test? ›
The Intercept® Oral Fluid Drug Test is an FDA-cleared laboratory-based oral fluid drug testing system that enables accurate testing for drugs of abuse including marijuana, cocaine, PCP, amphetamines and opiates.
Does labcorp do saliva drug testing? ›Labcorp offers lab-based oral fluid specimen collections in its network of company owned and operated patient service centers (PSCs). Lab-based oral fluid drug testing provides a simple method to collect chain of custody drug screen specimens almost anywhere.
How accurate is a drug test result? ›No drug test of this type is 100% accurate. There are several factors that can make the test results negative even though the person is abusing drugs. First, you may have tested for the wrong drugs. Or, you may not have tested the urine when it contained drugs.
What does a positive lab drug test value mean? ›A positive test result means that the targeted drug or drug metabolites were detected in the sample.
What is the intercept oral fluid drug test? ›The Intercept® Oral Fluid Drug Test is an FDA-cleared laboratory-based oral fluid drug testing system that enables accurate testing for drugs of abuse including marijuana, cocaine, PCP, amphetamines and opiates.
How long does a drug test take oral? ›Results for specimens that screen negative for all drugs are generally available within 24-36 hours after specimens are received at the laboratory. Results for confirmation testing of presumptive positive screens are usually available within an additional 72 hours.
How accurate is oral fluid drug testing? ›Nearly Identical Confirmed Results The rapid oral fluid and lab-based screening accuracy are nearly identical (98% or better). Accuracy defines the number of correct results when comparing the high-sensitivity confirmation method (GC/MS or LC-MS/MS) with that of the POCT drug screen.
What drug test shows the most? ›Urine drug testing (UDT): This is the most common drug test. It requires a sample of your urine (pee). Urine drug tests are most commonly used to detect alcohol, amphetamines, benzodiazepines, opiates/opioids, cocaine and marijuana (THC).