Alco-Screen Saliva Alcohol Test
Testing with the Alco-Screen saliva alcohol test is fast and easy. Instruct the donor to wet the reagant pad on the test strip with their saliva for several seconds. The Alco-Screen requires only a small amount of saliva to activate the test, even subjects with dry mouth can be tested successfully. Results are visible within two minutes.
Alco-Screen Estimates Alcohol Concentration
Because the proportion of alcohol in saliva is directly related to the proportion of alcohol in blood, the Alco-Screen can easily and quickly detect the presence of alcohol and estimate intoxication levels. The presence of alcohol in saliva causes the reagent pad to turn shades of green. Higher concentrations of alcohol create darker shades of green. The operator estimates intoxication levels by comparing the color change against color standards printed on the foil package at the 0.02%, 0.04%, 0.08%, and 0.30% BAC.
Ideal for Zero Tolerance Testing
The Alco-Screen is ideal for agencies with zero tolerance policies and for non-regulated employee workplace testing programs. Any green color on the reagent pad after two minutes indicates the presence of alcohol in the saliva of at least 0.02% or greater. 0.02% BAC is approximately the intoxication level from one drink, and is typically the lowest cut-off level used to determine if a person has been drinking alcohol.
Alco-Screen Detects Alcohol in Beverages
The Alco-Screen is one of the few devices that can detect the presence of alcohol in beverages. Because the Alco-Screen is calibrated to detect the very tiny amounts of alcohol present in saliva, the color standards on the test do not apply when testing beverages. The concentration of alcohol is extremely high in comparison to saliva. Dipping the strip into a beverage that contains alcohol causes the reagent pad to turn a very dark brown color.
Question
Sean Williamson –
How long should you wait to conduct the test if the person that is suspected of consuming alcohol had just drank a 12-16 ounce glass of water?
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Jennie Lee-Pace –
Hi Sean.
You can wait 3-5 minutes for the donor’s natural saliva levels in the mouth to return.
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Question
Questioner –
Are the chemicals toxic to humans to the extent that simply placing the strip in the donor’s mouth is an OK method vs. collecting a saliva sample?
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Jennie Lee-Pace –
Based on the manufacturer’s recent recommended use, the Alco-Screen and Alco-Screen 02 can be placed in the mouth to collect a saliva sample. You can also choose to dip the test strip into a collection cup.
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Question
Lawrence Stem –
How long past the expiration date on the box would you say the test results are still good valid. Also, I see that you can place the test strip directly into a drink. How long do you leave it in for?
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Jennie Lee-Pace –
Hi Lawrence.
While I do not have exact data, the manufacturer’s QAP states not to use an expired test to conduct an alcohol test. Any use of an expired test will in no doubt lead to questionable results.
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Question
Anne –
What happens if the test is not read until 3 min later or 5, are the results valid?
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Jennie Lee-Pace –
If you go past the required time, the color may change and the test result may not be considered valid. Which is why the DOT says to conduct the test per the manufacturer’s instructions. If you fail to conduct the test as it is intended, you run the risk of having the results thrown out.
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