Overview:
Alcohol, also known as ethanol, is the main ingredient of alcoholic drinks. Alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream and processed by the liver. A blood alcohol concentration or blood alcohol content is most commonly used as a metric of alcoholic intoxication for legal or medical purposes.
Q1. How is the test performed?
A blood sample is obtained from a vein.
Q2. Is there any risk associated with this test?
There is no significant risk associated with this test, however, in rare cases, a patient may develop a clot or hematoma around the site of the needle prick. Other complications include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.
Q3. What are the side effects of alcohol?
- Slowed reflexes and reaction time.
- Slurred speech.
- Memory trouble, blackouts, and memory loss.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Loss of physical coordination.
- Passing out.
- Heartbeat, breathing, and blood pressure changes.
INTERPRETATION OF THE RESULT:
A blood alcohol level results may be given in different ways, including the percentage of blood alcohol content (BAC). The typical results are below.
- No Alcohol In Blood: 0.0 percent BAC
- Legally intoxicated: .08 percent BAC
- Very impaired: .08–0.40 percent BAC. At this blood alcohol level, symptoms of alcohol poisoning becomes visible, difficulty walking and speaking. Other symptoms may include confusion, nausea, and drowsiness.
- At risk for serious complications: Above .40 percent BAC. At this blood alcohol level, serious toxicity can occur which can lead to coma and death.
