Not all drug tests are created equal. From pre-employment screenings to post-incident investigations, different situations require different approaches — and choosing the right drug testing kit can make all the difference.
At Andatech, we offer both urine and saliva (oral fluid) drug test kits. Each method has distinct advantages depending on the context, timeframe, and regulatory needs. Here’s how to choose the right one for your situation.
Pre-employment drug testing: Prioritising detection range
Recommended: Urine drug testing kits
When screening candidates before hiring, you want to identify past drug use, not just recent consumption. That’s where urine drug tests excel. They offer a longer detection window, sometimes detecting drug use from several days to even weeks prior — depending on the substance.
Urine tests are also compliant with the AS/NZS 4308:2008 standard, which governs procedures and cut-off levels for workplace urine drug testing in Australia and New Zealand. Learn more about AS/NZS 4308 here.
✅ Best for: Candidate screening, onboarding.
Suggested product: DrugSense DSU11 Urine Drug Test Cup
Random drug testing at the workplace: Speed and practicality
Recommended: Saliva drug testing kits
When conducting random testing in high-risk industries like construction, logistics, and manufacturing, efficiency and ease-of-use are critical. Saliva drug tests offer fast, non-invasive screening that can be performed onsite without requiring special facilities or privacy concerns.
Saliva tests detect more recent usage (typically within 24–48 hours) and are governed by AS/NZS 4760:2019, which sets standards for oral fluid drug testing in workplaces. Read our breakdown of AS/NZS 4760 here.
✅ Best for: Random testing in safety-sensitive roles or shift-based workforces
Suggested product: DSO8+ Saliva Drug Test Kit
Post-incident drug testing: Immediate, recent-use detection
Recommended: Saliva drug testing kits
If an incident has occurred — a vehicle accident, property damage, or a safety breach — you’ll want to know whether impairment played a role. Saliva testing is ideal in these cases as it detects active or very recent drug use (within a few hours to 2 days), providing insight into whether a person may have been under the influence at the time.
These tests are quick to administer and provide results on the spot, supporting immediate reporting and compliance obligations.
✅ Best for: Onsite post-incident investigations, near-miss follow-ups
Suggested product: DSO8+ Saliva Drug Test Kit
Personal or home use: Tailor your testing to your goals
At-home drug testing is becoming more common — for concerned parents, individuals in recovery, or anyone needing reassurance before travel or employment. But the right method depends on your reason for testing.
🧪 Use a saliva test if you want:
- Fast results for recent drug use
- A discreet and non-invasive option
- To test teens or housemates without privacy concerns
✅ Best for: Spot checks, post-event screening, self-checking before job interviews
🧪 Use a urine test if you want:
- A longer detection window (days to weeks)
- Insight into patterns of past use
- A method commonly used in rehab or legal settings
✅ Best for: Recovery monitoring, home accountability plans, structured testing
LEARN MORE: Drug detection windows
Why some workplaces use both
Many organisations pair saliva tests for quick screening with urine tests for confirmation or longer-term detection. This hybrid approach offers a more comprehensive strategy and satisfies various regulatory and operational needs.
Not sure what mix works best for you? Contact us for a tailored testing plan based on your industry, workforce, and compliance requirements.
Final takeaway: Test with intention
The right drug testing kit doesn’t just give you results — it gives you relevant, timely insight into workplace safety, candidate suitability, or personal wellbeing. Choosing the right method helps ensure fairness, compliance, and meaningful outcomes.
Browse our full range of saliva and urine drug testing kits today — or talk to our team about which option is right for you.
