How To Pass A Mouth Swab Drug Test: Tips & Tricks

Nikhil Goswami

Mouth swabs are one of the most typical forms of drug tests you’ll come across since they are less intrusive, more inexpensive, and give quick answers than many other popular types of drug tests. They are really one of the most popular drug test methods utilized by businesses, whether for random drug checks or new hire tests, as well as by law enforcement for roadside drug checks.

Let’s say you just learned that an oral drug test is coming up, or you’re worried about how well you’ll do on a potential random saliva screening. If so, you’ll be relieved to learn that mouth swab tests are among the simplest kinds of drug tests to pass.

Here is all you need to know before attempting to learn how to pass a mouth swab drug test, whether you have one coming up later today or tomorrow:

Overview: Mouth Swab Drug Test

Let’s first understand an oral swab drug test before explaining how to pass one. The mouth or oral swab test is one of the most popular drug tests used to find any traces of substance use. This test’s method system is relatively straightforward. Your saliva is drawn out using a swab, and any drug traces are then examined. Compared to other widely used drug testing procedures, they have the narrowest detection window, which explains why.

They will cover your mouth with a strip or swab containing antigen dye that absorbs saliva through a membrane. The dyes on the strip can identify drug metabolites when the saliva moistens it. It will alter if there is drug residue. You are free of drugs if there is no color. To obtain suitable salvia, the person will obtain the sample from your mouth by stroking the cotton swab between the gums in the lower part of the cheek or by inserting it under the tongue for two minutes. As drug residues adhere to antibodies contained in the swab, the early findings appear within minutes.

They will pass the sample through additional testing to determine the drug’s classification if the initial result is positive. First, they will use an immunoassay to determine the drug’s kind. The data are then sent for further examination using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry.

The Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration’s published recommendations (SAMHSA)  determine these drug cutoffs. Here are the substances that you should take into consideration before using:

  • Amphetamines (50 ng/mL)
  • Barbiturates (50 ng/mL)
  • Benzodiazepines (20 ng/mL)
  • Opioids (40 ng/mL)
  • Cannabis (THC) (4 ng/mL)
  • Phencyclidine (PCP) (10 ng/mL)
  • Alcohol (0.25g/dL)

The likelihood of passing a mouth swab drug test will be high even if you do not cleanse your body since the detection times are very short for oral swab drug tests.

What To Look In Mouth Swab Drug Test?

To begin with, urine and saliva drug tests look for entirely different substances. THC-COOH, a byproduct of the body’s metabolism of delta-9 THC, is the psychoactive substance that makes you high when you ingest or smoke. Moreover, tests can detect its presence in urine through tests.

Conversely, swab tests check for activated THC, also known as delta-9 THC. In other words, precisely what you’d have after inhaling on a joint, dabbing, or smacking your vape all over the inside of your mouth. And that’s both the positive and negative news regarding cannabis mouth swab testing. These tests cannot find cannabis metabolites that may still be present in your body from earlier use. However, they can identify the psychoactive THC that is captured in your spit.

What Are The Chances Of Failing A Mouth Swab Drug Test?

When done correctly, a mouth swab drug test has an accuracy rate of greater than 97%. Drugs do not persist in oral secretions for as long as they do in urine. Therefore, this kind of testing is more helpful in identifying current usage, according to the Drug & Alcohol Testing Industry Association.

It might take different amounts of time for particular medicines to be found in saliva. According to certain studies, a substance’s traces will be more evident for longer if a person uses it more regularly. You should be okay if you abstain from smoking, vaping, or ingesting cannabis for 24 to 48 hours. Being extra cautious would mean giving up marijuana for a week.

Thankfully, many states mandate that companies give their staff at least a day’s notice before conducting a mouth swab or another drug test. Simply said, there is a negligible probability of failing a mouth swab drug test. Always remember that these tests’ primary purpose is to determine if you are currently high or have just finished a session. Because of this, you’re more likely to run across them at work after a reportable event, if you get into an accident, during traffic, or just at random.

Even if your saliva test comes out negative, keep trying, and don’t become discouraged. Consider what can possibly result in a false positive. According to statistics, 5 to 10% of findings are false positives. When the examiner tests you, make sure to tell them about any prescription and over-the-counter medicines, supplements, and even dubious foods (such as poppy seeds).

Ask for a confirmation test, which the law requires, and show that you are not guilty by looking perplexed. It is preferable to request a urine test since you will have time to prepare for it; they will not administer it immediately. Finally, you might look for a reputable attorney and request legal counsel.

Why Doesn’t THC Stay In Saliva For Very Long?

The good news is that THC doesn’t linger in the salivary glands for very long. Most of the time, 48 hours after a person consumes cannabis or smokes it, THC metabolites are no longer detectable.

  • THC from marijuana remains detectable in saliva for one to three days in occasional users.
  • THC can be found in the saliva for up to 30 days in the case of more regular users.

However, several variables can affect how long THC remains in your body. Regrettably, no firm rules dictate how long THC stays in your saliva. Age, metabolism, and factors like body mass index will all be factors. However, how frequently and how much you smoke is by far the most crucial factor to consider.

The list below lists several substances and the length of time it takes to detect them in saliva:

Substances                       

  • Amphetamine (AMP): 5-10 mins after use
  • Methamphetamine: 5-10 mins after use
  • Cocaine: 5-10 mins after use
  • Opiate and Heroin: 1 hour after use
  • Marijuana: 1 hour after use

How To Pass Mouth Swab Drug Test In 2023?

Because a mouth swab drug test is typically requested without any warning, many people are unaware of how to pass one. However, it is possible to eliminate drug metabolites from saliva using tested methods. We have listed some of the most practical methods below:

Prior to the Exam

  • As soon as you learn about your next exam, stop using drugs.
  • Brush your teeth thoroughly thrice daily, paying special attention to the tongue, cheeks, and gum line because these are the most typical locations for a swab drug test.
  • To keep your mouth healthy and clean, drink a lot of water.
  • Chewing ice will keep your mouth clean, thin down your saliva, and lower the number of drug metabolites in your system below the detection threshold.

During the Test

  • Ignore any and all lab directions if you can. Do you really want to assist them in proving your guilt?
  • Avoid wiping between your teeth and the gum line if the examiner allows you to hold the swab stick.
  • If you are presently taking any drugs, let the doctor or examiner know since they might affect test findings. Ibuprofen and other painkillers probably give a false-positive result.

The most straightforward approach to passing a saliva drug test is to abstain from using drugs, even though the tricks mentioned above will probably result in a negative result. The safest and most reliable strategy to not only pass any drug test but also to save your health is to abstain from consuming drugs.

How To Pass A Swab Drug Test In 24 Hours?

Since urine and blood tests typically cannot identify drug usage that occurred more than a few days ago, oral swab tests are considerably simpler to pass than these tests. It is essential to take measures because technology is new and constantly evolving. Some tiny techniques improve your chances, but most internet advice is worthless or even detrimental. For furthermore information, you can check out this article of how to pass drug test for weed.

The only proper method to guarantee you’ll pass a swab test is to abstain from narcotics for at least 2 to 3 days before the test. Read onto this list of effective strategies to successfully pass a mouth swab drug test in less than 24 hours after that.

  • Chewing Gum

Gum chewing will cause your saliva production to rise. The act of chewing gum increases salivation, which lowers the concentration of any medicines in your saliva. Chewing gum will alter the chemical composition of your oral secretions, which might reduce the accuracy of the cotton swab drug test. Choose cinnamon or a strong citrus taste if you have a choice among many flavors.

  • Sour Candy

To increase the acidity of your saliva, consume sour candies. Your saliva gets more difficult to detect as it becomes more acidic and sugarier. Therefore, if you only have 5 to 10 minutes before a required drug test, take 2 to 3 sour citrus candies. To extract as much of the tart citrus taste from the candies as possible, sucking them is preferable to eating them.

  • Detox Mouthwash

Purchase the best saliva detox mouthwash. By removing drug traces minutes before the test, products like Stinger Detox and Ultra Wash help you pass a mouth swab drug test. To effectively neutralize drug residues in your saliva, detox mouthwashes must be used at precisely the right time. Regardless of the amount and duration of drug use, their effectiveness typically starts one to ten minutes after consumption and lasts for 60 minutes, with the first 30 minutes being the most effective.

  • Gargle Every 15 Minutes

For four to five hours before the exam, gargle every 15 minutes. Don’t freak out if you get to work and learn that you have a swab test in four or five hours! Enter the bathroom and gargle for 20 to 30 seconds with a large mouthful of water. Each quarter hour leading up to your swab test, repeat this. Rinsing with water will dilute the concentration of THC (or other drug compounds) in your saliva, making the drugs a little bit more challenging to detect.

  • Brush Your Teeth

It would be best if you brushed your teeth twice daily to eliminate any excess saliva. Although not particularly efficient, this technique could marginally lessen the quantity of THC (or other drug-related compounds) that stay in your mouth. After breakfast and supper, clean your teeth for at least two minutes using brand-name toothpaste and a fresh toothbrush. Along with your teeth, be sure to brush your tongue, cheeks, and gums. In the end, rinse and spit.

  • Sip Water

In theory, new saliva will have lower concentrations of drug-related chemicals than older saliva. Stay hydrated by frequently sipping water, herbal tea, or fruit juice so that you can produce more saliva. Also, avoid liquids that dehydrate your body, including coffee, black tea, and alcohol.

  • Eat Fattening Foods

Consuming a lot of high-fat meals can hasten the elimination of THC. Since THC is lipid-soluble and attaches to fat molecules, fatty meals may help it leave your mouth more quickly.

How To Pass A Saliva Drug Test With Little To No Warning?

The worst-case situation is that they stop you, and you have no time to spare. Don’t panic just yet; after reading this advice, you’ll know more about how to pass a surprise mouth swab drug test. If you’ve been looking for ways to pass a drug test, you may have come across the adulteration technique. Chemicals known as adulterants prevent a drug test from reading a sample correctly, and new and better ones are always in development.

This is due to a kind of arms race between drug testing businesses and those seeking to outwit them: if an adulterant is successful in fooling the test, scientists will eventually develop a new trial to detect its presence, and the cycle will repeat.

Hydrogen peroxide is usually the preferred adulterant for mouth swabs. You can swiftly and forcefully swish it around in your mouth to sufficiently adulterate your saliva to pass the test. You must employ this method before they swab you because it only lasts for a short time. It’s not ideal because of this, but anyone can use it quickly. If hydrogen peroxide is not readily available, try washing with mouthwash, which is also an adulterant. However, avoid using mouthwashes with alcohol in them since they could lead to a false positive for alcohol misuse.

Mouth Swab Drug Test Weed: When Do Employers Use Them?

Typically, pre-employment drug testing is done by employers. Any business will probably check a candidate’s drug use before employing them, especially before the selection process. Although it is among the most prevalent causes, it is not the sole one.

Here are some other scenarios in which your company could put you to the test:

  • Following An Accident

Employers typically test for drugs after accidents so that they may disclose the results. For instance, employees who operate large vehicles like trucks, vans, and forklifts immediately undergo drug testing if they are involved in an accident. This is done to establish if the cause of the accident was intoxication or a valid reason.

  • Firing A Gun At Someone

Anyone who uses a firearm must undergo drug testing to see if they were under the influence of alcohol or shot for a legitimate purpose. This also applies to police officers who are working. Therefore, authorities will perform a drug test if you have fired your gun to defend yourself. Remember that possessing a gun is a felony in and of itself and that doing so while intoxicated can result in significant jail time. However, drug testing in shooting cases can sometimes support an insanity defense and result in allegations of diminished ability.

  • Prior To Being Promoted

Authorities can take a test when they promote you to ensure you deserve the new role. Typically, you can base this on the company’s promotion guidelines.

  • Personnel Covered By The Department Of Transportation 

Authorities also monitor drug tests for all employees working in the Department of Transportation, including truck drivers and applicants for licenses to ensure no one is under the influence of drugs.

  • Possible Drug Usage

Your employers might ask you to submit to a surprise drug test at work if your actions and the situation allude to drug usage. This may also happen if someone tells on you to the higher-ups or suspects you of possible drug abuse at work.

  • Getting Back To Work

When returning to service, members of the military or police typically undergo testing. Police and armed staff typically experience testing more frequently because of how sensitive their professions are! Due to the nature of their work, police officers and other law enforcement officials need to undertake regular testing, which is another factor.

Home Remedies: Pass Oral Drug Test In 2023

Several web resources advise using natural therapies to pass a mouth swab test. However, just because a remedy is well-liked does not necessarily guarantee that it will work. None of the homemade treatments we’ll show you today have been created to cover up drug use. Scientific research does not back it up, nor does it have any concrete proof.

Anyone who uses a method to remove drug poisons from their system based on one of these fallacies will incur a considerable risk. These are the urban myths that people commonly share online.

  • Listerine

Some people think that putting Listerine strips in their mouths can help them pass a drug test. On the day of the trial, they advise dissolving one piece inside each cheek and one beneath your tongue to remove any THC residue. About 30 minutes before the test, you must thoroughly clean your mouth with Listerine mouthwash. On the way to the test, dab two additional strips into your cheeks after rinsing with water to eliminate any remaining toxins.

This argument has a flaw in that Listerine has no component that has been proven to remove drugs from saliva. Manufacturers designed it to eradicate germs and fungi in the mouth. Still, it has no impact on drug residues from opiates, cocaine, THC, or any other substance. However, you will undoubtedly have the freshest-smelling tongue among the test subjects.

  • Vinegar

People also think combining a tablespoon of vinegar with a cup of water may create your own saliva-neutralizing mouthwash. They claim that low pH vinegar causes oral fluids to become more acidic, which causes more saliva to be produced and, as a result, dilutes any signs of drug residues in a saliva swab sample.

Although this may seem fantastic in principle, there is no evidence altering the pH level of oral secretions has any impact on the outcomes of a drug test. You should only use vinegar as a pre-cleansing agent before detoxing mouthwash.

Arguments For And Against A Mouth Swab Drug Test

Advantages

Compared to other tests, mouth swab drug testing has several advantages. These consist of:

  • The rapidity of testing.
  • Inexpensive, less painful for the individual, and more difficult to manipulate with the samples.
  • In contrast to a blood test, the mouth swab examination is noninvasive.
  • There is no requirement for a medical professional or specific room.
  • Convenient to administer on-site due to sample collection being reachable and the lack of any privacy or embarrassment concerns.
  • Less expensive than a blood and urine test.
  • Compared to urine testing, oral fluid tests are 60% more reliable at identifying opiates, cocaine, and methamphetamine.
  • False-negative findings are far less familiar with the saliva test.
  • Oral medication kits are generally accessible and extensively available worldwide.
  • They are ideal for on-duty screening since they can quickly check employees for drug users while they are at work.
  • It is capable of simultaneously detecting a wide range of drug types.

Disadvantages

Only a few drawbacks of mouth swab drug testing exist. These consist of:

  • Drugs can be found in oral fluid for 5 to 48 hours, which is a shorter time than in blood or urine tests.
  • The test operator needs special training to guarantee that the sample is not contaminated.
  • A dry mouth might occasionally make taking a sample challenging.
  • Different types of oral drug test kits have varied measuring parameters; there are no set standards for result interpretation.
  • Although able to identify a variety of drugs, the oral test is nevertheless less accurate than a urine test in detecting THC.

Which Test Is Better: Oral, Blood, Urine, Or Hair Test?

Although each test has advantages, the mouth swab test is better at detecting recent drug use since it takes time for drugs to break down and enter the system. Therefore, the oral fluid test is helpful in these situations since it offers a detection window of around three days.

However, urine tests are helpful for long-term use. The liver breaks down drugs, leaving a practically minimal trace in the mouth that may be detected with a mouth swab. Consequently, many people prefer a urine test for metabolized substances, such as THC-COOH. For 30 days, it can identify cannabis usage.

A blood test is more effective in identifying long-term addictions because, like a urine test, it can detect drug use up to 30 days in the past. However, anyone can utilize blood tests improperly since they can collect much information, including DNA. Anyone can sell or use the blood samples for illegal activities.

The longest detection time, 90 days, is one of the benefits of hair testing. However, authorities may examine hair samples for mitochondrial DNA; they are just as invasive as blood samples. Additionally, hair testing is expensive and might take weeks to get results.

Conclusion: Passing Mouth Swab Drug Test

We have supplied as much information about oral drug testing as we can. The remaining steps are up to you, and you are free to apply whatever advice you want. Moreover, after reading this article, you may at least exhale a little relief because saliva tests are relatively simple to pass.

Drug testing through a mouth swab is a quick and reliable procedure. Compared to urine drug testing, it is more reliable, less painful, and expensive. They are the most widely utilized test form and nearly always take the place of urine testing. This is encouraging news because many people previously claimed that you could even pass the mouth swab test right before it is due.

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