Saliva-based confirmation analysis – Spain leads the way
Saliva as a sample saves time and money
Many countries use quick screening drug tests for a roadside check to improve road safety. The first step is a preliminary test, usually a saliva test such as DrugWipe. Saliva collection is hygienic and easy, and provides a quick, reliable result.
If the preliminary test detects the presence of drugs, the court requires an admissible confirmation analysis. For this confirmation analysis, blood or saliva can be the sample of choice. Both require an extensive analysis in the lab to prove driving under the influence of drugs.
With DrugWipe, saliva collection is hygienic and quick. This results in greater acceptance by officers and those being tested.
Blood samples
Germany and other countries use blood samples for a confirmation analysis. If a preliminary test is positive, blood must be drawn by a doctor. Officers accompany the driver to the blood draw site, since a doctor is not usually present during traffic stops.
Saliva samples
Spain was one of the first countries in Europe to introduce a saliva-based confirmation analysis and remains committed to this approach (see blue box).
What makes a saliva sample different?
The sample collection process following a positive preliminary test is quick and simple. Officers can collect another saliva sample on the spot. This sample is sent to the lab for confirmation analysis.
The benefits are clear:
- Saves time: The saliva sample is taken by the officer on the spot. There is no need to accompany the driver for a blood draw.
- Saves money: The costs of a blood draw performed by a doctor are avoided.
- No further metabolism: The sample is collected shortly after the preliminary test, so drugs are not broken down further in the body.
Using saliva as a medium for confirmation analysis makes it possible to obtain a result that is admissible in court, initiate proceedings against the driver under the influence, and save both time and money!1
Spain – a leader in Europe
Spain has been conducting confirmation analyses using saliva since 2010. The country has a zero-tolerance policy, meaning that even the smallest detectable amount of a drug is a prosecutable offence. Incapacity to drive affects only the severity of the penalty.2, 3
Other countries are following this example. They use saliva as the medium for confirmation analyses and are seeing the benefits:1
- Collecting saliva is less invasive
- No doctor is needed as officers take a sample on the spot
- No trip to the doctor/hospital and no blood draw
Saliva-based confirmation analysis since 2010
DrugWipe S 605 G – 6 drug groups in 5 minutes
Just ask – we’re always happy to help.
Sources:
1 Knowles et al. (2021), Praxistauglichkeit von Speichelvortests und -zweitproben [Practical Applicability of Saliva Pre-Tests and Secondary Saliva Samples], Federal Ministry for Climate Protection, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology (BMI), Volume 80;
2 O. V. (2011), Circulares, Fiscalia General del Estado [Office of the Attorney General, Spain], 10/2011;
3 Herrera-Gómez et al. (2021), Positivity to Cocaine and/or Benzoylecgonine in Confirmation Analyses for On-Road Tests in Spain, Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18, 5371;
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