Toxicology

Blood alcohol concentration shows:

• Not intoxicated/ Sober: 0.0 mg/dL
• Intoxicated: 10.0-80.0 mg/dL
• Very impaired: Above 80 mg/dL.
• At risk for serious complications: Above 450 mg/dL. At this blood alcohol level, you may be at risk for coma or death.

Urine ethanol concentration reported in acute fatal cases is ≥ 490 mg/dL.

The timing of this test can affect the accuracy of the results. A urine alcohol test is only accurate withi­­n 12-36 hours after last drink.

The timing of this test can affect the accuracy of the results. A urine alcohol test is only accurate withi­­n 12-36 hours after last drink.

You may need a blood alcohol test if you are suspected of drunk driving and/or have symptoms of intoxication. These include:

• Difficulty with balance and coordination
• Slurred speech
• Slowed reflexes
• Nausea and vomiting
• Mood changes
• Poor judgment

You or your child may also need this test if there are symptoms of alcohol poisoning. In addition to the above symptoms, alcohol poisoning can cause:

• Confusion
• Irregular breathing
• Seizures
• Low body temperature

It measures the amount of alcohol (ethanol) in urine.

It measures the amount of alcohol (ethanol) in blood. Alcohol is quickly absorbed into the blood and can be measured within minutes of having an alcoholic drink. The amount of alcohol in the blood reaches its highest level about an hour after drinking.

An alcohol test may be used for following purposes:

• Legal evidence. Alcohol testing may be part of:
• Driving under the influence of alcohol
• Under-age drinking
• An investigation into a criminal or motor vehicle accident investigation
• A court case or as part of a parole agreement
• Employment. Pre-employment or on-the-job and suspicious Alcohol testing.
• Testing for alcohol poisoning. Hospital emergency to check for the life-threatening condition that can happen if blood alcohol level gets very high after drinking large amounts of alcohol. Young children can also get alcohol poisoning from drinking household products that contain alcohol, such as mouthwash and certain cold medicines.
• Monitoring treatment for alcohol use disorder.

Alcohol intoxication can be harmful for a variety of reasons, including:

• Impaired brain function resulting in poor judgment, reduced reaction time, loss of balance and motor skills, or slurred speech.
• Dilation of blood vessels, causing a feeling of warmth but resulting in rapid loss of body heat.
• Increased risk of certain cancers, stroke, and liver diseases (e.g., cirrhosis), particularly when excessive amounts of alcohol are consumed over extended periods of time.
• Damage to a developing fetus if consumed by pregnant women.
• Increased risk of motor-vehicle traffic crashes, violence, and other injuries.

Coma and death can occur if alcohol is consumed rapidly and in large amounts.

Alcohol affects every organ in the body. It is a central nervous system depressant that is rapidly absorbed from the stomach and small intestine into the bloodstream. Alcohol is metabolized in the liver by enzymes. However, the liver can only metabolize a small amount of alcohol at a time, leaving the excess alcohol to circulate throughout the body. The intensity of the effect of alcohol on the body is directly related to the amount consumed.

Alcohol is known as Ethyl alcohol or Ethanol. It is an intoxicating ingredient found in beer, wine, and liquor. Alcohol is produced by the fermentation of yeast, sugars and starches.