The Alco-Screen saliva alcohol test kit is a fast, economical, and easy-to-use alcohol screening solution for professional testing environments. Designed for non-regulated workplace alcohol testing programs, zero-tolerance policies, schools, treatment programs, and other professional settings, Alco-Screen provides visible results in just two minutes.
Alco-Screen uses a simple saliva-based test strip that detects the presence of alcohol and provides a semi-quantitative estimate of alcohol concentration. To perform the test, the donor wets the reagent pad with saliva for several seconds. Only a small amount of saliva is needed, making the test easy to administer even when the donor has dry mouth.
Fast, Semi-Quantitative Alcohol Screening
Because alcohol concentration in saliva is directly related to alcohol concentration in blood, Alco-Screen can quickly detect the presence of alcohol and help estimate intoxication levels. When alcohol is present, the reagent pad changes color. Higher alcohol concentrations produce darker shades of green.
Results are interpreted by comparing the reagent pad to the color standards printed on the foil package. Alco-Screen includes BAC reference levels of 0.02%, 0.04%, 0.08%, and 0.30%, helping the operator estimate the donor’s alcohol concentration.
Ideal for Zero-Tolerance and Non-Regulated Workplace Testing
Alco-Screen is well suited for organizations with zero-tolerance alcohol policies and non-regulated employee testing programs. Any green color on the reagent pad after two minutes indicates the presence of alcohol in saliva at approximately 0.02% BAC or greater.
The 0.02% BAC level is commonly used as a low-level screening threshold to help determine whether a person has consumed alcohol. This makes Alco-Screen a practical option for post-incident screening, reasonable suspicion testing, workplace safety programs, schools, treatment facilities, and other non-DOT alcohol testing applications.
Easy Testing Procedure
- Remove the Alco-Screen test strip from the foil package.
- Have the donor wet the reagent pad with saliva for several seconds.
- Place the test on a flat surface.
- Wait two minutes.
- Compare the reagent pad color to the standards printed on the package.
For best results, read the test according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Results read too early or too late may not be valid.
Can Also Detect Alcohol in Beverages
Alco-Screen is one of the few alcohol test strips that can also detect the presence of alcohol in beverages. Because beverage alcohol levels are much higher than saliva alcohol levels, the BAC color standards do not apply when testing beverages. If the test strip is dipped into a beverage containing alcohol, the reagent pad may 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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