An oral swab is a sample collected by brushing a swab on a surface within the mouth, such as the tongue or inner cheek. This simple and non-invasive procedure is used for various purposes, including:
- Drug testing: Oral swabs, also known as saliva drug tests, are used to detect the presence of drugs or alcohol in a person's saliva. These tests are quick, easy, painless, and cost-effective, making them a popular choice for employers, law enforcement agencies, and healthcare providers.
- Medical diagnosis: Oral swabs can be used to detect the presence of certain bacteria or viruses, such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which causes tuberculosis.
- Oral care: Disposable oral care swabs are used for cleaning the mouth in hospital and long-term care settings, particularly for individuals who are unable to brush their teeth independently.
Oral swabs provide a convenient and less intrusive method for collecting samples compared to blood or urine tests. However, the detection window for drug use is typically shorter with oral swabs compared to urine tests.
