Rapid test variants
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Are there significant differences in rapid tests ?
Test methods
The consumption of alcohol and drugs is monitored in many areas of life, be it in road traffic, at work or in sporting competitions. Various test methods are used to detect consumption. Saliva and urine tests are used particularly frequently. But what are the differences between these two methods? What advantages and disadvantages do they have?
General Functionalities
Alcohol and drug tests
Both types of test are used to detect metabolites of substances in the body. While alcohol tests usually measure the direct alcohol content, drug tests look for traces of the consumed substances or their metabolites.
- Functionality / advantages and disadvantages
Saliva tests
How it works
A saliva test is carried out by the test person using their own sample from their oral cavity using the saliva collector.
The saliva sample collects in the collector. Depending on the type of test, the sample is either taken directly or pressed into the test container. The sample is automatically distributed and activates the test strips.
Advantages
- Quick and easy to perform: No special room or complex preparation required.
- Immediate detectability: Saliva tests detect substances shortly after consumption.
- Low risk of manipulation: As the sample is taken under supervision, fraud is more difficult
- Non-invasive: In contrast to blood tests, no needle is required.
Disadvantages
- Short detection time: Saliva tests can usually only detect drugs for a few hours to a maximum of one to two days.
- Sensitivity to environmental factors: eating, drinking or chewing gum can influence the test result.
- Less reliable for some substances: Cannabis in particular can be more difficult to detect in saliva samples.
- Functionality / advantages and disadvantages
Urine tests
How it works
In a urine test, a urine sample is collected in a sterile container. This is either analyzed directly on site with a test strip or sent to the laboratory to obtain more accurate results.
Urine tests look for metabolites of drugs that the body breaks down after use and excretes via the kidneys.
Advantages
- Longer detection time: Many substances can still be detected in urine days or even weeks after consumption.
- High sensitivity: Urine tests are often more sensitive than saliva tests and can also detect small quantities.
- Cost-effective: This method is particularly economical for mass testing.
Disadvantages
- Risk of manipulation: There are ways to falsify urine samples, e.g. through dilution or the use of synthetic urine.
- Invasion of privacy: Urine collection is often perceived as unpleasant, especially if it is done under supervision.
- Slow detectability immediately after use: It can take several hours for drugs or their metabolites to be detectable in urine.
Unbeatable Advantages
Advantages of saliva tests
Quick and easy Implementation
Sampling is uncomplicated and non-invasive, without the need for a special room or complex preparation.
Early Verifiability
Substances can be detected in saliva shortly after consumption, which makes the test ideal for acute controls (e.g. traffic controls).
Low Risk of manipulation
As the sample is taken under supervision and directly from the mouth, falsification or manipulation of the sample is virtually impossible.
High comfort for the person tested
The test is less unpleasant than blood or urine tests and does not require privacy, making it more discreet and less invasive.
