Alcohol-Blood

The alcohol blood test is used to determine the alcohol level in your bloodstream. Alcohol testing is done with a breathalyzer, which is an efficient way to gauge the blood alcohol level of an individual quickly.

However, this method is not as accurate as a blood test. If you require an accurate blood alcohol content (BAC) measurement in your body, then Apollo 24|7 offers an alcohol blood test.

The test measures the level of ethanol content in your bloodstream. Ethanol is the main ingredient in every alcoholic beverage. On average, the liver takes around an hour to process one alcoholic drink. However, if you ingest alcohol faster than your liver can process it, you will start feeling intoxicated or "drunk." This intoxication entails impaired judgment, behavioral changes, etc.

The alcohol blood test is usually performed when:

• You have been drinking and driving
• You have indulged in underage drinking
• You have been drinking during a treatment program that doesn’t allow drinking
• You have alcohol poisoning

The test detects various BAC percentages:

• Sober: 0.0% BAC
• Legally intoxicated: 0.08% BAC
• Very impaired: 0.08–0.40% BAC (Difficulty walking, drowsiness, nausea, etc.)
• At the risk of severe complications: Above 0.40% BAC (Chances of coma or death)

BAC primarily depends on the type and quantity of alcohol you have. Some other factors include:

• Age
• Drink strength 
• Sex
• Food 
• Weight 
• Medicines and drugs

While occasionally consuming alcohol is fine, binge drinking must be avoided as it can cause your BAC to shoot up significantly. If you go overboard with your drinking, you are exposed to the risk of alcohol poisoning.

Here are some symptoms to look out for:

• Irregular breathing  
• Confusion
• Low body temperature
• Seizures

The test also doesn't require any special preparation or pose any risks. It is a standard blood test. The worst that could happen is light bruising, itching, or rashes at the point where the needle was pierced into your arm.  
 

Medically reviewed by Dr. Shoukat Ali Abbas, General physician, Apollo Hospitals Greams Road, Chennai