POLICE Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Portable Statswab Device Tests for Drugs in Under Ten Minutes

Statswab is a rapid, on-site drug test device that tests for up to 10 drugs using oral fluids. Officers can use Statswab, which is distributed by Micro-Distributing, when breath alcohol devices show a low or no reading, but impairment is apparent.

September 8, 2010
Portable Statswab Device Tests for Drugs in Under Ten Minutes

Photo courtesy of Micro-Distributing.

2 min to read


Statswab is a rapid, on-site drug test device that tests for up to 10 drugs using oral fluids. Officers can use Statswab, which is distributed by Micro-Distributing, when breath alcohol devices show a low or no reading, but impairment is apparent.

The Statswab device is portable—it's three inches tall and one inch in diameter—and has a shelf life of up to 18 months. The device can be transported in a patrol bag or on a duty belt. Samples can be collected in three minutes in a non-invasive manner.

Ad Loading...

The collection sponge should be placed on the back inside of the subject's cheek where the saliva glands are located. The officer should instruct the subject to switch sides after one and a half minutes and then allow the subject to deposit the sponge into the Statswab collection chamber and seal it with evidence tape.

After approximately three minutes, the officer can remove the label and view the results. This process can be easily recorded by a dash camera. If further confirmation is needed, the airtight chamber preserves the saliva for further testing.

Subjects must not eat, smoke, drink or chew gum 10 minutes prior to taking the test. If in dry conditions, the officer should instruct the subject to drink water 10 minutes before the test.

Swatswab tests for recent use of narcotics, not past use, and can be ideally used in OWI, DRE, Training, Traffic, Search Warrants, Work Release, ARIDE, Jail, Probation and Parole and Internal Affairs.

Ad Loading...

More Patrol

image of men on bicycles and women competing in martial arts and a log for the US Police & Fire Championships
PatrolDecember 10, 2025

Police & Fire Championships Expands Athlete Eligibility

The US Police & Fire Championships is now open to all employees – sworn, civilian, administrative, technical, and support staff – who work directly for an eligible public safety agency.

Read More →
Thumbnail for video series POLICE Topics, Tactic & TIps against a black background and an illuminated police car light bar. Headline for Tips for Watching the Hands
Sponsoredby Wayne ParhamDecember 5, 2025

Tips for Watching the Hands

How can officers better “watch the hands”? Mike Willis, Law Enforcement National Training and Program Director for the US Deputy Sheriff's Association, shares some tips.

Read More →
Thumbnail for video series POLICE Topics, Tactics & Tips with yellow headline 10 Tips for Felony/High-Risk Stops.
Sponsoredby Wayne ParhamDecember 3, 2025

10 Tips for Felony/High-Risk Stops

What steps can officers take to stay safer during felony or high-risk vehicle stops? Here are 10 tips from Mike Willis, Law Enforcement National Training and Program Director for the US Deputy Sheriff's Association.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Screenshot of compute screen showing a blurred license plate compared to an image where the image has been enhanced to show the numbers and letters.
Patrolby Edited by StaffNovember 25, 2025

Amped Highlights Power Behind Amped FIVE Software

Amped FIVE empowers you to advance your investigations with confidence and precision, from the crime scene all the way to the courtroom.

Read More →
Background orange tinted image of southern California with pushpin marking Burbank. Headline reads K-9 Killed by Gunman, Burbank Police Department
PatrolNovember 24, 2025

Police K-9 Killed, Suspect Dies in Shootout with Cops

A Burbank Police Department K-9 was fatally shot over the weekend by a passenger who fled on foot from a traffic stop. The armed suspect was killed in a shootout with officers.

Read More →
Thumbnail image with blue and red police lights against a black background, large POLICE logo, headline for From the Show Floor: InVeris
Patrolby Wayne ParhamNovember 23, 2025

From the Show Floor: InVeris

In this video, learn about how InVeris provides training to law enforcement, including customized augmented reality scenarios. The augmented reality system can scan up to 10,000 square feet of real-life environments and create a curriculum based on those spaces.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Thumbnail image for video series POLICE From the Show Floor featuring Polaris Government & Defense.
Patrolby Wayne ParhamNovember 19, 2025

From the Show Floor: Polaris Government & Defense

Learn about Polaris Government & Defense in this video as POLICE visits their show booth to discover their side-by-sides and the advantages they provide for agencies.

Read More →
2026 ford police brochure
SponsoredNovember 17, 2025

2026 Ford Pro™ Police & Special Service Vehicles Guide is Available for Download

Ford Pro™ meets the needs of law-enforcement agencies

Read More →
black background width image of police lights in middle and headline Dashcam Video Officers rescue Man from Burning Car
PatrolNovember 17, 2025

Dashcam Video Shows Officers Rescue Man from Burning Car

Dashcam video released by a New Jersey police department shows two of its officers rescuing an unconscious man from a burning car after a crash.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
blue background with image of a red dot sight and also second image of the red dot on a handgun lower right
PatrolNovember 17, 2025

Aimpoint COA optic + A-CUT Named Red Dot of the Year

The Aimpoint COA optic + A-CUT system has been named Red Dot of the Year by Guns & Ammo magazine. The new optic system was introduced in January 2025.

Read More →