The handheld device costs £1.50 for every drug tested and can produce accurate results in five minutes by analysing a droplet of saliva for traces of drugs in a person’s system.
The Vantix biosensor technology has been developed by Universal Sensors in Cambridge.
The firm admitted the test is controversial but said it could have "huge implications for society".
Kevin Auton, commercial director, said: "In America, parents are taking samples of their children's saliva and hair, and sending them off to labs to see if their children are taking drugs. If there is demand for it here, it would be an interesting market.
"It is controversial but the test can be used in the home for worried parents to test if their children are taking drugs.
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