Beschreibung
The alcohol saliva test is a simple rapid test for an orienting indication of alcohol / ethanol in saliva. It can be used without a device, without a battery and without a laboratory. The result is interpreted visually using a colour scale and is suitable for quick personal assessment in everyday situations.
Key facts at a glance:
- Alcohol saliva test: quick indication of alcohol in saliva.
- Sample type: saliva.
- Detection: alcohol / ethanol.
- Use: simple, discreet and without an electronic device.
- Result interpretation: visual colour change with colour scale.
- Indicative scale: 0‰, 0.2‰, 0.4‰, 0.8‰.
- Discreet: shipping from Switzerland in neutral packaging.
How to use the alcohol saliva test – step by step
- Do not eat, drink, smoke or rinse your mouth for at least 15 minutes before the test.
- Remove the test strip from the packaging and prepare it according to the package insert.
- Collect a saliva sample and dip the test strip into the saliva sample, or apply saliva directly to the test pad.
- Observe the reaction time specified in the instructions for use.
- Compare the colour of the test pad with the supplied colour scale and read the result.
Important: The exact application, reaction time and reading time depend on the package insert supplied. Results read outside the specified reading time should not be interpreted.
Result interpretation
Note: The alcohol saliva test is an orienting rapid test. It does not replace an officially calibrated breath alcohol device, a blood alcohol measurement or a legally reliable laboratory analysis.
Frequently asked questions about the alcohol saliva test
How does the alcohol saliva test work?
What does the alcohol saliva test show?
Which scale values does the test show?
How quickly is the result visible?
Why should I not eat, drink or smoke for 15 minutes before the test?
Is the alcohol saliva test suitable for detecting alcohol from the previous day?
Is the saliva test comparable to a breath alcohol device or a blood test?
Can I use the test to know for sure whether I can still drive?
What can influence the result?
What is the difference between an alcohol saliva test and an EtG urine test?
Key facts about the alcohol saliva test
| Test type | Alcohol saliva test / visual rapid test |
| Sample type | Saliva |
| Target substance | Alcohol / ethanol |
| Result interpretation | Colour comparison with supplied scale |
| Scale | 0‰, 0.2‰, 0.4‰, 0.8‰ |
| Application | Apply saliva or dip the test strip into the saliva sample according to the instructions |
| Result | Visual reading after a short reaction time |
| Suitable for | Personal orientation, everyday use, events, quick assessment |
What is this alcohol saliva test useful for?
The alcohol saliva test is useful when a quick and simple indication is needed – for example in a private setting, after alcohol consumption, at events or in everyday situations where increased awareness is important. It helps to better assess a situation, but it does not replace a professional or legally binding measurement.
Important: For official, legal or evidential questions, suitable professional measurement systems or laboratory procedures are required. An unremarkable result is not a guarantee of fitness to drive.
How long is alcohol detectable in saliva?
Alcohol in saliva is primarily suitable for a current or very recent indication. Detectability depends on the amount consumed, the time of the last drink, individual metabolism and possible interfering factors in the mouth.
For retrospective questions over a longer period, an alcohol saliva test is not the appropriate method. Depending on the objective, EtG urine tests or hair analyses for alcohol markers may be more suitable.
| Question | Suitable method | Note |
| Current indication | Alcohol saliva test or breath alcohol test | Snapshot, short term |
| Retrospective assessment over several hours to days | Depending on the objective: EtG urine test / laboratory | Depends on marker and method |
| Retrospective assessment over a longer period | Hair analysis for alcohol markers | For longer-term questions |
Limitations of the alcohol saliva test
- The test is an orienting rapid test.
- It is not officially calibrated.
- It does not replace a police or legally binding measuring device.
- The indication is semi-quantitative and should not be understood as an exact blood alcohol measurement.
- Residual alcohol in the mouth, alcohol-containing mouthwash or certain products can influence the result.
- An unremarkable result does not automatically mean that a person is safe to drive.
For binding questions, suitable professional measurement systems or laboratory procedures should be used.
What does the alcohol saliva test measure?
The test is designed to provide an orienting indication of alcohol / ethanol in the saliva sample. After consuming alcoholic beverages, ethanol may be detectable in saliva. The colour change of the test pad provides an approximate indication using the supplied scale.
The alcohol saliva test should therefore be distinguished from an EtG urine test. EtG stands for ethyl glucuronide, an alcohol metabolite that is used more for longer retrospective questions.
The exact procedure, reaction time and interpretation depend on the manufacturer’s instructions supplied.
Technical basis & sources
The content is based on publicly available specialist information and the manufacturer’s instructions for the relevant product. It is intended for orientation and does not replace individual medical or legal advice.
- Manufacturer’s instructions / package insert for the alcohol saliva test.
- BFU – Alcohol in road traffic
- FOPH – Federal Office of Public Health
Note: This alcohol saliva test is an orienting rapid test for quick assessment of alcohol in saliva. It does not replace an officially calibrated measuring device and is not intended for legally binding decisions.
Content editorially reviewed and updated on: 13.05.2026 – Toxcontrol Diagnostik
