In workplace drug testing, vaping can present unique challenges if it impacts the detection and interpretation of results, particularly in oral fluid testing. Vaping can introduce drug residues into the mouth and oral fluids especially if the individual has recently vaped substances containing THC (from cannabis products) or synthetic cannabinoids, which can be detected in oral fluid.

When vaping involves nicotine or THC products, aerosols can leave residues in the mouth that may appear in oral fluid samples. This can affect both the concentration and detection period of certain drugs in saliva tests, making recent use detectable within minutes to hours post-consumption.

Nicotine vapes can cause false positives for amphetamines when ingredients in the nicotine vape (particularly stimulant additives), may cross-react in tests designed for amphetamines. Though this is rare, it does occasionally happen particularly where the quality control of the vape product is low and concentrations vary. Certain flavouring agents and preservatives may also contribute to minor interferences in results.

If a donor vapes with products containing CBD or THC, it may lead to detectable levels in an oral fluid test, registering as a positive for cannabis even where the vape is labelled “CBD only.” Small amounts of THC are often present in CBD products, especially in full-spectrum varieties. Unregulated vapes may contain various chemicals or cross-contaminants that have been associated with test interference. Vaping devices can be contaminated by prior drug use (if shared) or by additives that increase the risk of false-positive readings.

What are best practices for dealing with donors who vape?

• Pre-Test Questions – ask donors about recent vaping activity, including the type of substances (nicotine, CBD, THC) and time since last use. This information can help interpret results and clarify any potential interferences.
• Waiting Period Before Testing – encourage donors who vape to refrain from vaping for 15-30 minutes before the test to reduce the risk of residue affecting the oral sample. The typical guidance for oral testing is “nil by mouth” 15 minutes prior, it may be slightly longer for vapers, research is ongoing.
• Confirmatory Testing – for any non-negative result, confirmatory testing by a laboratory using more sophisticated techniques like mass spectrometry (LC-MS) can differentiate between legitimate drug use and vape-related interferences.

What are the differences between vape brands and products?

• Nicotine & THC Content vapes vary widely in content with higher-end brands potentially having stricter quality controls in reducing contaminants. Cheaper/unregulated brands, especially those with synthetic cannabinoids or THC, are more likely to contain impurities that could interfere with tests.
• Additives and Flavourings: Certain brands use proprietary blends of additives and flavourings. Some of these ingredients, like menthol or cinnamon flavouring, have been suggested to create interferences in lower-quality tests, though not generally in laboratory-grade tests – again, research is ongoing.
• Product Purity and Regulation: Lab-tested brands with published contents are preferable in reducing unknown additives. Unregulated brands often have less transparency regarding contents, increasing the chance of contaminants.

Can vaping impact urine tests?
Yes, vaping can impact urine drug tests, though generally, it has less effect than oral fluid drug tests. THC can be present for 21 days in urine after vaping. Vaping can impact urine tests especially with THC or unregulated additives with the effect more predictable and less prone to incidental contamination than with oral testing.

In summary, while vaping does not directly lead to drug-positive results, it can affect oral and urine drug test outcomes by leaving residues that may cause interferences or cross-reactivity in certain drug panels. This is particularly for amphetamines or THC. Our best practice recommendations include pre-test inquiries about vaping, a waiting period before sample collection, and confirmatory testing when non-negatives arise. Regulated, reputable vape brands tend to carry a lower risk of contamination or test interference compared to unregulated ones.

What about vaping & workplace AOD programs? Clear guidelines on vaping and communication with employees helps mitigate the impact if a compromised result arises. If deployed correctly, AOD testing in the workplace is a valuable asset in ensuring a safe and productive working environment. The tone for an effective and engaging AOD program should be “it’s not here to catch you, but rather it’s here to support you”. Crucial to this is the organisations’ AOD policy, training and the management’s intent within it.

Our AOD testing solutions ensures a complete service that can be customised to suit your specific requirements. We can assist in AOD policy development, decision-making around drug testing procedures and can perform on site testing should that be your preferred choice. Read about our complete AOD testing solutions here).