How to Read Saliva Drug Test Results (Made Easy)

Understanding saliva drug test results can be confusing. Whether you're taking it for work or personal reasons, this guide will help you know what your results mean. What Do the Test Lines Mean?

Control Line (C Line)

• This line shows if the test is working properly.
  
• If the red C line appears, the test is working fine.

Test Line (T Line)

• This line shows if drugs are found in your saliva.
  
• If the T line is missing, it may mean drugs were detected.

How to Know If Your Test Is Positive, Negative, or Invalid

Negative Result

• Two lines appear C line and T line.
• This means no drugs were found in your saliva.

Positive Result

• Only one line appears the C line.
  
• The T line is missing.
• This means drugs were found in your saliva.

Invalid Result

• The C line is missing, or the colors are not clear.
  
• The test didn’t work.
• You may need to take the test again.

What Drugs Can a Saliva Test Find?

How Long Can Drugs Stay in Your Saliva?

Note: These times can change based on your body and how often you use drugs.

Are Saliva Drug Tests Accurate?

Yes, saliva drug tests are about 97.5% accurate, but many things can affect the results:

Things That Can Change the Test Accuracy:

• Good-quality test kits give better results.
  
• Not enough saliva or eating before the test can make it inaccurate.
• Each drug has a "cut-off level" (the amount needed to show a positive).
• Why Your Test Might Be Wrong (False Positive)
• People with fast metabolism may show negative results faster.

Sometimes, you may get a positive result even if you didn’t use drugs. Here's why:

Medicines That Can Affect Results:

• Antibiotics like Ciprofloxacin can test false positive for opiates.
  
• Ritalin (ADHD medicine) false positive for amphetamines.
• Wellbutrin (antidepressant) false positive for amphetamines or meth.
  

Other Possible Reasons:

• Being near someone who uses drugs.
  
• Can show a false positive for opiates.
• Can affect alcohol test results.
• Mistakes during testing or bad test kits.
  

Tip: If you think your result is wrong, ask for a retest or talk to a doctor.

What Affects How Long Drugs Stay in Saliva?

Important Factors:

• How Much and How Often You Use: More use = longer detection.
  
• Metabolism: Faster metabolism = shorter detection.
• Water Intake: Drinking water may reduce the time slightly.
  
  
• Other Things:
  
• Body weight
  
• Exercise
• Saliva’s acidity level
  

What Happens If You Test Positive?

A positive drug test result can cause problems depending on the situation:

Work

• Your company may have a drug-free rule.
• You might lose your job if you test positive.

Probation or Parole

• A positive test may break the rules.
  
• This can lead to serious consequences.

Legal Cases

• The test might be used in court.
  
• Sometimes, another test (like urine or blood) is needed to confirm.

What You Should Know About Your Rights

• You Can Ask for a Retest: Especially if you think the test is wrong.
  
• Talk to a Lawyer: If you are worried about your job or legal issues.
• Be Careful Before Sharing Results: Talk to a lawyer before telling anyone, especially at work.