QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
How does the Medisur multi-drug and alcohol saliva test work?
Using antibodies against Δ9-THC, opiates, amphetamines, and cocaine, the saliva drug and alcohol test reveals the presence of one or more of these four drugs. If the concentration of these compounds reaches a certain threshold, the test is positive.
For alcohol, the test strip works through two chemical reactions. The ALox enzyme catalyzes the oxidation of ethanol (EtOH) to acetaldehyde (CH3CHO) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Peroxidase uses hydrogen peroxide to oxidize tetramethylbenzidine (TMB), which changes color (blue), indicating the presence of alcohol.
When can it be done?
The test can be performed on a saliva sample obtained at any time of day. However, you should not eat, drink, or smoke for 10 minutes before taking the test.
How long can cannabis/opiates/amphetamines/cocaine be detected in saliva?
Medisur's multi-drug and alcohol saliva test can detect the consumption of:
– Cannabis: 30 minutes to 12 hours on average. The detection time varies depending on consumption and the individual.
– Opiates: 1 hour to 7-21 hours after consumption depending on the dose.
– Amphetamines: 5 to 10 minutes up to 72 hours after consumption depending on the dose.
– Cocaine: 5 to 10 minutes up to 24 hours after consumption depending on the dose.
Can we get wrong results?
For the test to be reliable, the instructions in the package leaflet must be followed scrupulously. The quantity and quality of the saliva collected will be decisive for obtaining a correct result. Indeed, the result can be distorted if the test is wet before taking it, or if the quantity of saliva impregnated by the test is not sufficient. It is therefore important to remove the test from the mouth when the pink migration reaches the control lines C.
I didn't apply enough saliva to the Medisur Multi-Drug and Alcohol Saliva Test. Will I get an accurate result?
No, if the saliva volume is not sufficient, the test may give a false negative or be invalid.
What is the purpose of the line that appears next to the C (Control) mark?
If the line next to the C mark appears, it means the Medisur Multi-Drug and Alcohol Saliva Test worked. If the line next to the C mark does not appear, it means the test did not work. You should then start again with a new test.
I read the result after 20 minutes. Will I get a reliable result?
No, the result must be read 10 minutes after performing the Medisur multi-drug and alcohol saliva test, in accordance with the test instructions provided in the package insert. After 20 minutes, the interpretation of the results is no longer reliable.
How to interpret the test if the intensity of lines 1, 2, 3, 4 and C are different?
The intensity of the lines is irrelevant for reading the results. The lines must be visible, homogeneous, and continuous to be interpreted. The appearance of lines 1, 2, 3, or 4 of low intensity is considered a negative result.
What should I do if the result is positive?
If the result is positive, it means that the test detected one or more of the four drugs or alcohol in the saliva. You should not undertake any action requiring your full attention or concentration, such as driving a vehicle.
What should I do if the result is negative?
If the result is negative and you have not used drugs, there are no special precautions to take.
IMPORTANT
A negative result does not necessarily mean that the sample does not contain any psychoactive substances. Substances below the test's detection threshold may be present in the saliva sample.
IF IN DOUBT, DON'T DRIVE!