Alcohol (Ethanol) Screen, Urine

The ethanol test or alcohol test is most commonly used for medico-legal purposes. Medically the levels of ethanol in the blood are important to effectively treat a intoxicated person. Blood sample is most commonly used for medical alcohol tests to treat a intoxicated person in the emergency room with signs and symptoms of ethanol toxicity. Complete blood picture (CBP), blood glucose levels, and serum electrolyte are simultaneously measured as there are other conditions that can mimic ethanol intoxication. Overdose testing, drugs of abuse testing, and testing for the presence of other toxic alcohols such as methanol and isopropyl alcohol may also be done simultaneously to rule out ingestion of other toxic drugs. Legal testing is used to identify and evaluate the presence of alcohol for example if a vehicle driver has consumed alcohol beyond the legal limits, a minor has consumed alcohol, convicts on parole have consumed alcohol, if alcohol consumption has contributed to an accident or death. Blood, breath, urine, and/or saliva samples may be tested. Blood ethanol testing may also be ordered to confirm breath testing or as an alternative to breath testing. Urine testing may also be done as an alternative method. Saliva alcohol testing is not widely used.

1. Which sample is a better option?

Blood, breath, urine, and/or saliva samples may be tested. Blood ethanol testing may also be ordered to confirm breath testing or as an alternative to breath testing. Urine testing may also be done as an alternative method. Saliva alcohol testing is not widely used.

2. Does everyone have same rates of alcohol metabolism?

Alcohol metabolism rate depends on race, sex, body weight, certain drugs and food consumption etc.

3. Can alcohol be metabolised faster?

Alcohol must be metabolized and eliminated by the liver. Food will slow the absorption of ethanol and coffee relieves intoxication, but neither will speed up the metabolism.