What body fluid is increasingly used for monitoring hormone levels and detecting alcohol and drug abuse?

Saliva is increasingly being used for monitoring hormone levels and detecting alcohol and drug abuse due to its non-invasive collection method and the ability to provide real-time results. Salivary testing is convenient because it allows for easy sampling without the need for needles or specialized equipment. This method captures the bioavailable form of hormones and the presence of drugs or their metabolites, reflecting levels in the bloodstream.

Additionally, saliva testing has a shorter detection window for substances compared to urine, making it particularly useful for identifying recent substance use. Its simplicity and effectiveness in both clinical and at-home settings contribute to its growing popularity in monitoring various physiological states and substance use.