Ethanol

The ethyl alcohol blood test is used to measure the amount of alcohol in your blood. Most of the people are aware of breathalyzer mostly used by traffic police. Sometimes a breathalyzer may give a false result or may be an inaccurate result in such situations an ethyl alcohol blood test is used.

What is ethyl alcohol?

Ethyl alcohol is also called ethanol or alcohol. It is the main ingredient present in most of the alcoholic drinks like beer, wine, and liquor. It acts as a depressant drug by slowing down the messages that are traveled between the brain and the body.

What are the effects of alcohol?

The effects of alcohol on each person vary according to size, body weight, health conditions, the amount consumed, the strength of the drink, etc. Consuming alcohol creates a euphoric effect like feeling relaxed, slower reflexes, trouble concentrating, increased confidence, etc. The long term effects of alcohol are depression, liver disease, cancer, brain damage, poor memory, erectile dysfunction, infertility problems, physical dependence on alcohol, etc. When a person gives up alcohol after long term use there will be withdrawal symptoms like sweating, tremors, anxiety, difficulty in sleeping, nausea, seizures, delusions, hallucinations, etc.

Why this test is performed?

This test may be recommended to you if you are suspected to have alcohol intoxication and exhibit symptoms like bloodshot, glassy, or watery eyes, flushed face, twitching or body tremors, unusually fast or slow talking, slow response to questions or comments, thick, slurred, or loud speech, blank stare or dazed look, repetitive or irrational statements, unusually fast or slow talking, droopy eyelids, lethargy, drowsiness or falling asleep, vomiting, etc. This test may be performed to know if the person consumed alcohol or not. This test is especially performed during any accidents to check if the person is on alcohol. This test is sometimes recommended before undergoing any surgery to make sure the patient is not on alcohol. During some legal procedures like drinking underage or drinking and driving, if any accidents occur in your job then the company may ask you to get this test done to see if you are on alcohol. This test may also be recommended during random drug checks.

Blood alcohol levels may vary according to the percentage of blood alcohol content (BAC). If the blood alcohol percentage is 0% then it means the person is sober. Blood alcohol percentage indicates the level of alcohol in your blood