NCJ Number
134079
Journal
SYVA Monitor Volume: 9 Issue: 4 Dated: (Fall 1991) Pages: 9-12
Date Published
1991
Length
4 pages
Annotation
Although urine alcohol testing has not received the attention of blood or breath testing, it is still a viable and appropriate tool for assessing alcohol consumption.
Abstract
A urine sample reflects the average alcohol level for the time period during which urine collected in the donor's bladder. It does not necessarily reflect the donor's current blood alcohol concentration. For this reason, the use of single urine specimens for forensic purposes has been more limited than single breath and blood samples. A single urine sample, however, can show recent exposure to alcohol and is especially valuable in monitoring abstinence. Alcohol levels can be very accurately measured in urine by various analytical techniques, and many government agencies and private companies are either using or planning to use urine alcohol testing. The physiology of urine alcohol elimination is sufficiently understood such that proper collection procedures and results interpretation are straightforward. Analytical methods of urine alcohol testing are accurate and precise, and urine specimens are stable. In addition, State legislation has recognized the value of urine samples in assessing drunk driving offenses. Clearly, urine alcohol testing has a significant role to play in society's efforts to find solutions to the problems of alcohol abuse. 1 table and 1 figure