Know Everything About Blood Alcohol Level

A blood alcohol test is a type of test that assesses the level of alcohol in your bloodstream. These days, people are accustomed to the breathalyzer test. This test is performed by police officers on suspects of drunk driving. Though a breathalyzer gives quicker results, still, it is not as accurate as measuring the blood alcohol level in your bloodstream.

The cost of the blood alcohol test is Rs.600 to Rs.800, depending on your location and place.

Please check the price of the blood alcohol test in Delhi/NCR, your nearby centers and other details.

Test Summary

Alcohol or ethanol is the prime ingredient for alcoholic beverages such as beer, wine, and liquor. If you consume an alcoholic drink, it will be absorbed into your bloodstream and processed by the liver. Your liver is able to process one drink an hour. One drink is usually defined as 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of whiskey.

But if you drink faster than your liver can process the alcohol, then you may experience drunkenness or intoxication. Intoxication may also lead to some behavioral changes and impaired judgment. The effects of alcohol are not the same for all. It depends on a plethora of factors such as age, weight, gender, and what food you have consumed before drinking.

The Purpose of this Test

This Test is Beneficial in the Following Ways

1. Drinking and Driving

In the United States, 0.08 percent blood alcohol level is allowed for drivers who are above 21 years. Drivers younger than 21, are not permitted to consume alcohol when driving.

2. Are Legally Drunk

The legal alcohol limit for drinking in public places may vary from country to country.

3. A person is Drinking while in a Treatment Program that Prohibits Drinking

If you are suffering from alcohol poisoning, then your blood alcohol level gets very high. Alcohol poisoning may adversely affect various functions of your body including breathing, heart rate, and temperature.

Teens and adults are more susceptible to binge drinking. Binge drinking is another cause of alcohol poisoning. Binge drinking uplifts the level of blood alcohol within a short period. Binge drinking is considered four drinks for women and five drinks for men in two hours.

 Young children may also consume alcohol from various household products that come up with alcohol, such as mouthwash, hand sanitizer, and certain cold medicines.

Why do I need a Blood Alcohol Test?

You may need to perform a blood alcohol test if you are suspected of drunk driving or you are experiencing symptoms of intoxication. These symptoms could be,

• Balance and coordination problems
• Indistinct speech
• Decelerated reflexes
• Nausea and vomiting
• Mood changes
• Poor judgment

The doctor may recommend this test if you or your child is having the symptoms of alcohol poisoning. Apart from the aforementioned symptoms, alcohol poisoning could be,

• Confusion
• Irregular breathing
• Seizures
• Low body temperature

The Alcohol Test Preparation

You don’t need any special preparation for this test. Certain medications may affect the test results of the test. So, if you are taking any medications (supplements or prescribed medications) inform your doctor about the same.

The Blood Alcohol Test Procedure

• A deft technician or nurse will identify your vein of the upper arm by tying an elastic band
• After tying the elastic band, he will insert the needle into the vein
• The person will draw your blood sample into a tube
• Finally, he will remove the elastic band and the needle
• A bandage or gauze will be placed at the puncture site

What do the Blood Alcohol Test Results Mean?

Blood alcohol levels may show you the result in different ways, including the percentage of blood alcohol content (BAC levels). The normal results are below.

Sober: 0.0 percent BAC

Legally intoxicated: 0.08 percent BAC

Very impaired: 0.08–0.40 percent BAC

(At this point, you may feel difficulties in walking and speaking. Other symptoms could be confusion, nausea, and drowsiness)

At risk for serious complications: Above 0.40 percent BAC

(At this level, you may be at risk for coma or death)

The accuracy of the result may depend on the timing of the test. A blood alcohol test is only accurate within 6–12 hours after you drink the last glass of beverage.