Alcohol blood test

The alcohol screening test may be ordered if an individual is suspected of driving while intoxicated. The symptoms of alcohol intoxication are as follows:

• Slowed reflexes
• Difficulties in balance and coordination
• Nausea and vomiting
• Slurred speech
• Poor judgement
• Mood changes

This test may also be required when children show symptoms of alcohol poisoning. Apart from the previously mentioned signs of intoxication, other symptoms of alcohol poisoning are as follows:

• Irregular breathing
• Low body temperature
• Confusion
• Seizures

The blood test can also help to determine if:

• You have been drinking and driving
• You have consumed alcohol while on a treatment regimen that prohibits drinking
• You have alcohol poisoning

Alcohol blood test may also be ordered in your workplace during a random drug test.

In case of an accident, this test may be ordered to check if you had consumed alcohol.

You do not need to have any special preparation for this test. Inform your doctor about any medicines, vitamins, supplements and herbs that you are taking. Also, tell him/her if you are taking any over-the-counter or illegal drugs. 

Timing is really crucial for this test. Accurate results show up when the testing is done within a six- to 12-hours of the last drink. If you get the test too early or too late, your results will be inaccurate.

For this test, your doctor will withdraw a sample of your blood from a vein in your arm.

Though blood tests are completely safe, some people experience mild bruising or pain at the needle insertion site for a while after the test. In most cases, these symptoms subside on their own. If the discomfort doesn’t go away or if you notice an infection developing at the site, please check in with your doctor.

Normal results:

If your blood alcohol content is 0.0 g/dL, you are considered sober.

Abnormal results:

Some of the values for blood alcohol percentage with their effects are as follows:

In India, the legally acceptable amount of blood alcohol content that is permissible for drivers is up to 0.03%.

Your blood alcohol content is dependent on the following factors:

• The amount of alcohol you consumed
• Rate of consumption
• Hydration levels
• Your weight
• Your gender
• Type of drink
• Food in your stomach
• Presence of other drugs in your system

Disclaimer: All results must be clinically correlated with the patient’s complaints to make a complete and accurate diagnosis. The above information is provided from a purely educational point of view and is in no way a substitute for medical advice by a qualified doctor.