THE SPECIFICITY OF THE TEST FOR ALCOHOL IN BODY FLUIDS

A simple and specific test for alcohol in body fluids is described and its specificity has been demonstrated. Specimens of blood and urine may be preserved for at least a month. For blood, use sodium fluoride, and urine, benzoic acid. The importance of the test lies in its ability to confirm a diagnosis of drunkenness for medicolegal purposes, as well as to give valuable information in differential diagnoses. A preliminary survey of persons injured or killed in auto accidents suggests that alcohol may be a greater factor in such accidents than statistics indicate, and shows the importance of a nation-wide survey of the relationship of alcohol to automobile accidents. The chemical test for alcohol in body fluids will be an important factor in arriving at conclusions concerning the intoxicating ability of certain beverages.

• Corporate Authors:

  British Medical Association

  BMA House, Tavistock Square
  London WC1H 9JR,   United Kingdom 
• Authors:
  • Heise, H A
• Publication Date: 0

Media Info

• Features: References; Tables;
• Pagination: p. 182-188
• Serial:
  • American Journal of Clinical Pathology
  • Volume: 4
  • Issue Number: 2
  • Publisher: British Medical Association

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Alcohol tests; Blood alcohol levels; Blood analysis; Coatings, fillers and paints; Drunk driving; Preservation; Specimens; Urine
• Old TRIS Terms: Blood tests; Preservatives
• Subject Areas: Highways; Safety and Human Factors; I83: Accidents and the Human Factor;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00452393
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
• Report/Paper Numbers: Reprint, HS-039 262
• Files: HSL, TRIS, USDOT
• Created Date: Feb 28 1986 12:00AM