How to check a blood alcohol

Analysis to determine the presence and level of alcohol in the blood is a common medical procedure. The level of ethanol you can test using a portable breathalyzer, and through full laboratory analysis.

Causes check blood alcohol content

The reasons why there is a necessity to check blood-alcohol (ethanol), can be divided into two groups:
1. medical;
2. legal.

In the first case, establishing the concentration of alcohol is needed to identify whether alcohol cause intoxication. The same legal implications of checking the content of ethanol in the blood are of various offences. The latter most often associated with drunk driving and consumption of alcoholic beverages by minors.

Another reason for the need for analysis – the clarification of the status of the specialist (the beginning of the working day), occupying a position that requires a clear mind and concentration. So, for example, is the profession of the driver.

Procedure check the level of ethanol in blood with the help of a breathalyzer

Procedure check the availability of ethanol in the blood is carried out using a special device – breathalyzer (breathalyser). The latter is a measurement tool consisting of a mouthpiece, sensor, or screen. The mouthpiece is the tube that the patient should breathe air (that is establishing the presence of alcohol in the blood). The sensor responds to the presence in the body of acetaldehyde, which is produced during the digestion of alcohol. Accordingly, the screen reflects the data obtained.

In the interpretation of the results relies on the figure 0,0-0,4 ppm. It is negative, that is evidence of the sobriety test. Mark also greater than 0.4 ppm to the contrary.

Due to some reasons, the procedure of checking the availability of alcohol in the blood by using a breathalyzer test does not always give truthful testimony. Alternative to it – medical analysis.

Medical check for alcohol in the blood

The official procedure for the verification of alcoholic substances in the blood is carried out in the laboratory. The most often used method developed by the Swedish chemist Widmark. Is such experience in special insulated flask (the flask Widmark), which is placed 1 ml of a mixture of potassium dichromate with sulfuric acid and the blood test. After the flask is sealed and placed for several hours in the thermostat. If blood has alcohol, it needs to oxidize. Evidence of this is the transformation of the color of the solution from yellowish to greenish-bluish.

Among other medical methods for detection of ethanol are considered to be quite effective enzymatic method and gas chromatography.