Test Types and Methods

Which test to use: BREATH, BLOOD, ORAL FLUID/SALIVA, URINE OR HAIR?

ScreenSafe UK is an independent company and therefore we offer impartial advice. We are not owned by "parent companies" and do not need to answer to them financially. We are also not contracted to sell a certain amount of units of product to meet targets. We won't put all our efforts into just one type of testing method, we have become experts in all of them. We will therefore inform you truthfully and authoritatively which product is right for your application.

  • Breath (for Alcohol only)
  • Blood (Alcohol, Drugs, Infectious Diseases, Health Screening/Monitoring etc)
  • Oral fluid/Saliva
  • Urine
  • Hair (and fingernails/toenails in certain circumstances!)

NOTE:ScreenSafe UK do not currently recommend the use of "Sweat Wipes" for accurate, reliable and legally defensible drug and/or alcohol screening/testing.

Many companies have concentrated on just one of these technologies, so that's all they will offer you. Many may try and sell you their "system" where its use is not appropriate or indeed cost effective. Other suppliers may just push the "most profitable" items or the systems that they must sell a minimum number of each month as part of a contract. Some laboratories may often not wish to offer point of care/instant screening devices as it can reduce their income.

Window of detection:

To decide what method is best suited to your testing programme, you should consider the "window of detection". This is basically from when a drug is detectable and the length of time that drugs remain detectable (over the cut-off limit). This varies dependant on the media you are testing. The graph and tables below are intended to give a rough guide of this "window".


Drug Oral Fluid Tests Urine Tests Hair Tests
Amphetamine 0-36 hrs 0-4 days 7 days +
Barbiturate 0-36 hrs 0-3 days 7 days +
Phenobarbital 0-36 hrs 0-14 days 7 days +
Benzodiazepine 0-36 hrs 0-14 days 7 days +
Cannabinoids (THC)      
Occasional user: 0-36 hrs 0-7 days 7 days +
Chronic user: 0-36 hrs 0-30 days 7 days +
Cocaine 0-36 hrs 0-3 days 7 days +
Methadone 0-36 hrs 0-4 days 7 days +
Methamphetamine 0-36 hrs 0-4 days 7 days +
Methaqualone 0-36 hrs 0-10 days 7 days +
Opiates 0-36 hrs 0-3 days 7 days +
Phencyclidine 0-36 hrs 0-8 days 7 days +
Propoxyphene 0-36 hrs 0-7 days 7 days +

It may be that all methods fit into your testing model. As far as costs are concerned Breath tests can vary enormously - but then so does the quality. Breath test devices can range from a few pence to £1500. What is most important, is choosing what is "fit for purpose". Blood, Urine and Saliva/Oral fluid drug tests are very similar in cost, whereas Hair testing is the most expensive although often the most revealing and detailed. Ideal where conclusive evidence of past / regular drug use or non-use is required. Again, the most important aspect to consider is what is most suitable, fit for purpose and (if required) legally defensible.

Please contact us for more information on how we can assist your organisation and how we can add real value to your processes.

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Please do not hesitate to contact Customer Services on 08450 505590 or via email (enquiries@screensafeuk.co.uk) if you require any further help or assistance.