Salivary Drug Screen

There is an out of pocket fee for this test unless a third party has been nominated. If you nominate a third party to pay, you must provide TML Pathology with a written statement (on letter-headed paper) from the third party clearly stating they will accept the costs. Without payment the collection will not proceed.

What to expect

• Photo ID must be shown to the collector prior to collection.
• You must not eat, drink, smoke or rinse your mouth for at least 10 minutes before the test.
• The collector will be in view while you swab the inside of your mouth.
• You will need to sign all labels, seals and forms. Please follow collectors’ instructions on where to sign.
• Forms asking about your current medications and other personal information will be given to you to fill in. Please complete the medication information (to assist with interpretation of any findings). You must complete any other forms presented to you
• You will need to be in the presence of the collector until the last sample is sealed in a tamper proof bag. Please be patient and wait until the collector instructs you to leav

Sample Collection – General Overview

The collector will ask you to swab the inside of your mouth and tongue until the swab is soaked with fluid. This can take from three to ten minutes. Do not suck or chew on the swab. You will have to give two swab samples.

This is a special test which is only performed at selected TML Pathology collection centres. To find a centre which performs this test select “Salivary Drug Screen” from the “Any test” drop down in our Collection Centre search, or alternatively call (03) 6711 2000 (Launceston area) or (03) 6108 9900 (Hobart area).