Oral Fluid/Saliva Drug Testing Procedure under Australian Standards AS/NZS4760:2019 Guide

This comprehensive guide to oral fluid drug testing procedures in Australia is designed to support employers, safety professionals, and testing personnel in conducting accurate and compliant workplace testing. Aligned with AS/NZS 4760:2019 standards, this step-by-step resource outlines best practices for workplace drug testing, including preparation, sample collection, result interpretation, and chain of custody requirements.

By following this procedure, organisations can ensure reliable drug test results, maintain legal compliance, and uphold a safe, drug-free work environment. Whether you are implementing a workplace drug and alcohol testing program or refining your current processes, this guide provides clear, practical instructions to help you perform oral fluid drug tests correctly and confidently.

 

Step-by-Step Procedure

1. Preparation

• Put on gloves before testing to prevent contamination.
• Confirm the donor has not consumed anything in the last 10 minutes, including:
• Food
• Drinks
• Cigarettes
• Chewing gum
• Check the donor’s oral cavity to ensure it is free from external substances (e.g. water).
• This is mandatory under AS/NZS 4760:2019.

Important:
If the donor has consumed anything within the last 10 minutes, wait 10 minutes before testing.

2. Test Device Checks

• Ensure the test device is at room temperature (15–30°C).
• Inspect the pouch for:
• Holes
• Cuts
• Damage

(Exposure to air may affect results.)

3. Documentation

Record the following on the Initial Screening Test Results section of the Chain of Custody form:

• Brand: Onsite
• Model: Oral 6
• Lot number
• Expiry date (format: YYYYMMDD)

Important:

• Do not use expired tests.
• Ensure all dates are recorded in the correct format.
• These details confirm a valid test was used.

4. Preparing the Test

• Open the pouch.
• Remove the test device.
• Label the device with the donor’s name and ID.

5. Collecting the Sample

• Give the device to the donor.
• Instruct them to:
1. Wipe the swab under the tongue
2. Wipe around both cheeks
3. Place the swab back under the tongue
• Follow manufacturer instructions and clearly explain the process.

Important:

• Insufficient saliva may result in an invalid test.
• Minimum required volume: 1–2 mL

6. Running the Test

• Once enough saliva is collected, place the device on the blue underpad.
• Saliva will begin moving up the test strips immediately.

7. Interpreting Results

Test (T) Lines

• Appear first.
• Line present → Negative result
• Line absent → Presumptive positive

Control (C) Lines

• Appear within 5 minutes.
• Indicate:
• Proper sample collection
• Correct test function
• Valid result

8. Key Interpretation Notes

• Test strips may turn purple, then return to white.
• Line intensity may vary — any visible line counts.

9. Reading Results

• Read results when:
• All control lines appear, or
• 10 minutes after sample collection

Important:

• Do NOT read results after 1 hour (results may become inaccurate).

10. Invalid Results

• If a Control (C) line does not appear, the test is invalid.
• The test must be repeated.

11. Final Result Interpretation

• Control line present + Test line absent → Presumptive positive
• Record results carefully, one strip at a time, on the Chain of Custody form to avoid errors.

12. Completion

• If all results are negative:
• Inform the donor they may return to work
• Dispose of:
• Test device
• Gloves
• Underpad

→ Use a yellow biohazard waste bag

 

This information is provided for general guidance purposes only and does not constitute legal or procedural advice. Users must refer to their organisation’s workplace drug and alcohol policy, applicable local legislation, and the current Australian Standards to ensure full compliance.