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Alcohol (ethanol) has a noticeable effect on the body, even when
consumed in small amounts. A blood alcohol test can determine whether a person
is legally drunk or intoxicated. If this test is being done for medical or
legal reasons, a consent form may be required, but refusing to take the test
may have legal consequences in some parts of the United States.
Alcohol is quickly absorbed into the blood and can be measured
within 30 to 70 minutes after a person has consumed any alcoholic drink. The
amount of alcohol in the blood reaches its highest level about an hour after
drinking. However, food in the stomach may increase the amount of time it takes
for the blood alcohol to reach its highest level. About 90% of alcohol is
broken down in the
liver. The rest of it is passed
out of the body in
urine and by breathing.
When taken in large amounts, alcohol acts as a sedative and
depresses the
central
nervous system. Because alcohol reduces tension and inhibitions,
drinking tends to make people feel relaxed and confident. Even a low level of
alcohol in the blood slows reactions. The more alcohol a person drinks, the
greater the person's loss of normal mental and physical control. Drinking
alcohol can result in a lack of coordination, blurred vision, slurred speech,
and stupor (unresponsiveness). A person who drinks a large amount of alcohol
over a short period may lose consciousness or even die.
Frequent drinkers become more tolerant of the effects of alcohol,
so they must drink more to obtain the feeling of reduced anxiety and reduced
tension. Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol over time may result in liver
disease
cirrhosis, kidney damage, malnutrition, inflammation
of the pancreas
pancreatitis or stomach (gastritis), or low blood
sugar hypoglycemia.
Pregnant women who drink alcohol
increase their risk of having a
miscarriage
or a child with
fetal alcohol syndrome. People who make a habit of
drinking excessive amounts of alcohol may become dependent on it
(alcoholism).
This test is done on a blood sample taken from a vein.
Blood Alcohol Results
The amount of alcohol in the blood that makes a person legally
drunk (intoxicated) varies in the United States (some states have no set limit
for legal intoxication). However, the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHTSA) recommends that all states set the legal definition of
intoxication when the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) exceeds 0.08.
Blood alcohol
Normal:
No alcohol is found in the blood.
Abnormal:
0.08–0.10 blood alcohol concentration (BAC) or
greater means legal intoxication in most states.
Many states define intoxication as a blood alcohol concentration
(BAC) lower than 0.08 for people under age 18.
Effects of drinking alcohol
Having a measurable amount of alcohol in the blood can mean that judgment and reflexes are impaired.
*1 drink =
1.5 fl oz (44.36 mL) liquor (80
proof) or one glass [5 fl oz (147.87 mL)] wine or one glass [12 fl oz (354.88 mL)] beer.
†BAC and the effects of drinking alcohol vary from
person to person and depend upon body weight, the amount of food eaten while
drinking, and each person's ability to tolerate alcohol.
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