COLUMBIA, S.C. (WACH) -- Lawmakers met Wednesday morning to discuss a bill that would allow police to give people suspected of driving under the influence a saliva test.
The test consists of a swab that collects a person's saliva and testing for drugs in their system.
The test will indicate a quick yes or no answer, and then after will be sent to a lab for more specific results.
According to the State Highway Patrol there were 24,000 DUI arrests in 2011.
Supporter of the bill Republican Senator Larry Martin of Pickens, says the test is fast tool for law officials, to help keep the roadways safe.
"This would give them a quick way of detecting that without having to take someone to a hospital that would draw blood, getting a warrant, those type of things," said Martin.
Critic's however have some concerns.
SLED Forensics lab director Dr Todd Hughey spoke about the saliva test, and it's accuracy.
"It has limitations. There's many drugs that aren't detected by this particular test, so it would give a false indication of whether somebody is impaired or not also there are other limitations due to interferences, the fact that there can be false positives," said Hughey.
Similar bills have been passed in Illinois and Kansas.
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