Creating a drug-safe workplace is critical to ensuring employee safety, meeting compliance standards, and protecting your business’s reputation. As drug testing becomes more common across industries like construction, mining, healthcare, and transport, many employers are faced with the decision: urine drug test or saliva drug test?
Both methods are effective, but the best choice often depends on your workplace environment, testing goals, and the level of accuracy required. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the pros and cons of urine and saliva drug tests, help you choose the right solution for your business.
So What’s the Difference Between a Urine Drug Test and a Saliva Drug Test?
| Feature | Urine Drug Test | Saliva Drug Test |
| Invasiveness | Moderately invasive | Less invasive |
| Collection Process | Requires a private toilet cubicle | Can be done on-site |
| Tamper Resistance | Higher risk if not supervised | More difficult to tamper |
| Detection of Prescription Drugs | Generally Comprehensive | Can be comprehensive depending on kit |
| Regulatory Compliance | AS/NZ 4308:2008 | AS/NZ 4760:2019 |
Why Choose a Urine Drug Test?
Urine drug tests are one of the most commonly used methods in workplace drug testing, thanks to their longer detection window, broad drug screening capability, and regulatory support.
✅ Pros of Urine Drug Tests
- Widely recognised and compliant with AS/NZ4308:2008 standards
- Comprehensive panels for both illicit and prescription drugs
❌ Cons of Urine Drug Tests
- Requires private collection area
- Slightly more invasive
- Potential for tampering, unless supervised or using tamper-resistant kits
LaneWorkSafe Urine Drug Test Kit Spotlight
LaneWorkSafe provides one of the most trusted selections of urine drug test kits in Australia, used by state police departments, mining companies, and health departments alike.
LaneWorkSafe Accurate One Step Cup
The LaneWorkSafe Accurate One Step Cup is a fast, secure, and compliant urine drug test solution designed for high-risk Australian workplaces. Fully certified to AS 4308:2008 standards, it delivers reliable results with minimal handling.
Key Features:
- Screens for 7 key drug groups including Synthetic Marijuana, THC, Methamphetamines, Cocaine, and more
- Secure screw cap with evacuation port prevents leaks and allows for contact-free sample extraction using vacuum tubes
- Built-in temperature strip and 3 adulterant checks (Oxidants, pH, Creatinine) ensure sample integrity
- Individual test strips for easy result interpretation
- Transparent cup body for clear sample visibility
- Results in 2–3 minutes
- Sterile and individually pouched for safe, hygienic use
- Simple one-step process ideal for onsite testing in construction, mining, healthcare, transport, and more
Learn more about the Lane Worksafe Accurate One Step Cup and our other quality urine drug test kits here.
Why Choose a Saliva Drug Test?
Saliva drug tests are rising in popularity thanks to their ease of use, non-invasive collection, and rapid results. They are particularly useful in on-the-spot testing scenarios, such as random or post-incident screening.
- Non-invasive and comfortable for employees
- Quick collection and results (within minutes)
- Reduces need for private space
- Harder to tamper with or substitute
- Suitable for presumptive based screening
LaneWorkSafe Saliva Drug Test Kit Spotlight
LaneWorkSafe has been leading the field in saliva drug test solutions since 2005, with trusted products that meet the Building Code 2013 requirements for Australian workplaces.
ToxWipe™ 7 Saliva Drug Test Kit
The ToxWipe™ 7 is a fast, reliable, and non-invasive saliva drug test designed for on-site workplace screening. Fully compliant with AS/NZ 4760:2019, it delivers accurate results in under 5 minutes.
Key Features:
- Screens for 7 substances: THC, Methamphetamines, Amphetamines, Opiates, Cocaine, Benzodiazepines, and Oxycodone
- Only 0.2mL of saliva required – quick, comfortable collection
- Patented collection pad and integrated buffer for consistent results
- Simple one-step process, easy to use in any worksite setting
- Individually pouched and sterile for safe, hygienic testing
- Trusted for rapid, on-the-spot screening in industries like construction and transport.
Learn more about the Lane Worksafe ToxWipe™ 7 Saliva Drug Test Kit and our range of saliva drug test kits here.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Urine Drug Test (LaneWorkSafe) | Saliva Drug Test (LaneWorkSafe) |
| Ease of Use | Moderate | High |
| Comfort | Moderate | Very High |
| Tamper Resistance | High (with Secure Cup) | Very High |
| Substance Range | Comprehensive (incl. prescription) | Comprehensive (incl. prescription) |
| Compliance | AS/NZ 4308:2008 | AS/NZ 4760:2019 |
| Best Use | Scheduled, pre-employment, return-to-duty | Random, post-incident, onsite screening |
Which Drug Test is Best for Your Workplace?
The best choice depends on your workplace requirements:
Consider Urine Drug Tests if:
- You conduct pre-employment testing as part of your company’s drug and alcohol policy.
Consider Saliva Drug Tests if:
- You need fast results on-site
- You’re conducting random or post-incident testing
- You want a less-invasive option that’s comfortable and quick
- You need to reduce the chance of sample tampering
Need advice? Call our friendly team on 1800 429 219 for a tailored, on-site drug testing solution that fits your workplace needs.
Why LaneWorkSafe?
LaneWorkSafe is a trusted provider of both urine drug test and saliva drug test solutions in Australia. We’ve spent over 15 years helping workplaces create safe, compliant environments through drug testing programs tailored to industry needs.
Why workplaces choose us:
✅ Fully certified and compliant products
✅ Trusted by major industries and government departments
✅ Australia-wide distribution and support
✅ Custom solutions for industries including Mining, Construction, Healthcare, Transport, and more
Whether you need urine or saliva-based testing—or a combination of both—we’re here to help you minimise risk and ensure a drug-safe workplace.
Both urine drug tests and saliva drug tests offer advantages, and in many cases, workplaces may benefit from using both for different purposes. With LaneWorkSafe’s industry leading tested kits and expert guidance, you can feel confident in your choice—knowing your workplace is compliant, protected, and prepared.
Want Help Choosing the Right Drug Test Kit?
Get in touch with the LaneWorkSafe team to discuss your workplace needs, and we’ll recommend the best testing solution for your industry.
