Ethanol (Alcohol) Concentration in Saliva
This test measures the amount of alcohol present in your saliva, often used to assess recent alcohol consumption or screen for alcohol use.
["A simple way to check for recent alcohol exposure or monitor drinking habits."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 50343-3
- Short code
- Ethanol Sal Ql Scn
- Synonyms
- Ethanol Sal Ql Scn
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- screen
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Matters
Saliva alcohol testing is quick and non-invasive, providing results that reflect recent drinking. It’s commonly used in workplace screenings, legal cases, or by healthcare providers to gauge acute alcohol intake without needing blood or urine samples.
How the Test Works
Your saliva is collected and analyzed using an immunoassay method, which detects the presence of ethanol (alcohol) molecules. The test measures the concentration of alcohol in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) of saliva.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You may brush your teeth, but avoid chewing gum or eating/drinking for at least 30 minutes before testing to prevent interference. If you’ve consumed alcohol recently, the test may show elevated levels.
What the Results Mean
Results are typically reported in mg/dL. A positive result indicates recent alcohol use, while a negative result suggests no detectable alcohol. Interpretation depends on clinical context (e.g., workplace, legal, or medical evaluation).
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Saliva alcohol testing is useful for detecting acute alcohol exposure, such as after binge drinking or during sobriety monitoring. It’s also used in legal settings to assess impairment or compliance with sobriety programs. Unlike blood tests, it doesn’t require fasting or invasive procedures, making it more convenient for some patients.
Short name
Saliva Alcohol Screening
Frequently asked questions
How soon after drinking will the test show alcohol?
Can food or mouthwash affect this test?
Is this test different from a urine alcohol test?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy