NCJ Number
145252
Journal
Criminal Justice Volume: 8 Issue: 3 Dated: (Fall 1993) Pages: 14-18,56
Date Published
1993
Length
6 pages
Annotation
The findings of serum blood alcohol tests frequently represent crucial evidence in driving under the influence (DUI) cases and other criminal and civil trials.
Abstract
In general, serum blood alcohol tests indicate a higher level of alcohol than whole blood tests. To challenge a serum blood alcohol result, attorneys must know the differences between whole and serum blood readings and be familiar with accepted procedures for arriving at a reading for the two substances. The admissibility of blood alcohol tests as evidence at a trial depends on the specific language of the relevant State statute and on the ability of the attorney opposing the tests to identify why they are unreliable. Two components of blood, amount of water and number of red blood cells, play a major role in determining the proportionate amount of alcohol in blood. Blood samples are generally drawn and tested for alcohol content in two situations, when requested by law enforcement officers in connection with a suspected DUI case or by hospital medical personnel in connection with patient diagnosis and treatment. Blood testing procedures are described, including gas chromatography techniques, enzymatic tests, and procedures for converting from serum to whole blood results. The admissibility of serum alcohol test results in court is discussed.