Interpretation of Breathalyser Results for Medico-Legal Puproses (From International Conference on Alcohol, Drugs and Traffic Safety, P 206-210, 1979, Ian R Johnston, ed. - See NCJ-73856)

• NCJ Number: 73863
• Author(s): I E C Cameron; P A Donkin
• Date Published: 1979
• Length: 5 pages
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: Australia

Annotation

A series of controlled drinking experiments was conducted to determine the relationship between the quantity of alcohol ingested and the maximum blood alcohol concentration (BAC) reached, and to measure the time taken after completion of drinking to reach the maximum concentration.

Abstract

In three separate experimental conditions, 20 subjects drank 284 ml. measures of beer on an empty stomach at their maximum rate; 42 subjects drank 284 ml. measures of beer over a 3-hour period at a more leisurely rate several hours after a light breakfast; and some of the same subjects as in the second experiment drank 114 ml. measures of table wine and others drank 27 ml. measures of whiskey at their own rate in the third experiment. BAC was determined by the Breathalyzer, together with occasional concurrent analyses of venous blood, with adjustments made for elimination of blood alcohol occurring during the drinking period. Results showed that in both the first and the second experiment, the average 'glass equivalent' amount of alcohol added to the blood for each 10-ounce glass of beer was represented by the identical value of 0.013 percent per glass, with 0.018 percent representing the maximum amount. The time taken to reach maximum BAC varied in Experiment One from 25 to 85 minutes, with an average of 60 minutes. In Experiment Two, the range was from 15 to 80 minutes, with an average of 43 minutes. Data results from Experiment Three were too small to be significant. Four data tables and five references are provided.