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Evaluation of Breath Alcohol Profiles Following a Period of Social Drinking

NCJ Number
186839
Journal
Canadian Society of Forensic Science Journal Volume: 33 Issue: 3 Dated: September 2000 Pages: 137-143
Author(s)
P. M. Ganert; W. D. Bowthorpe
Date Published
September 2000
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This study used information from six male and four female volunteers in Canada to determine blood alcohol profiles in healthy individuals following a period of social drinking and to determine whether these profiles significantly different from those resulting from heavy or bolus drinking situations.
Abstract
The study focused in particular on the magnitude of the rise in blood alcohol content, if any, after the end of drinking, as well as the duration of the absorption phase of the blood alcohol profile. The participants consumed 0.37 to 0.52 grams of alcohol per kilogram of body weight per hour over an approximate 3-hour period. Each participant provided frequent breath samples into a breath testing instrument during the drinking session and for approximately 4 hours after the end of drinking. The analysis determined the blood alcohol concentrations using a blood to breath ratio of 2100:1. Results revealed that the highest blood alcohol concentrations ranged from 85 to 190 milligram percent, with an average of 128. The highest levels occurred from 4 to 22 minutes after the end of drinking and at an average of 12 minutes after the end of drinking. The average time from the end of drinking to the start of linear decline was 69 minutes and ranged from 0 to 124 minutes. The average alcohol elimination rate was 19 milligram percent per hour. Tables, figures, and 25 references