Ethanol Test- Why am I having this test?
Ethanol test is used to determine the amount of alcohol (ethanol) in your blood. If your blood alcohol level is high enough, it may affect your ability to drive. The test may also be used to evaluate your risk for alcohol overdose.
What is being tested?
This test measures the level of ethanol in your blood.
What kind of sample is taken?
A sample of blood, breath, urine, or saliva may be taken for this test. Usually, a blood sample is collected by inserting a needle into a blood vessel.
How are the results reported?
Your test results will be reported as a percentage, or as milligrams of alcohol per deciliter of blood (mg/dL).
What do the results mean?
- A normal blood alcohol level is 0% or 0 mg/dL.
- A blood alcohol level that is less than 0.05% or 50 mg/dL means that you are not considered to be under the influence of alcohol.
- A blood alcohol level that is greater than 0.05% or 50 mg/dL is considered alcohol intoxication. Depending on your location and other factors, levels greater than 0.05% may mean that you cannot legally drive.
- If blood alcohol levels become greater than 0.2–0.3% or 200–300 mg/dL, difficulty breathing and loss of consciousness can occur and may mean that you are experiencing alcohol overdose.
Talk with your health care provider about what your results mean.
Questions to ask your health care provider
Ask your health care provider, or the department that is doing the test:
- When will my results be ready?
- How will I get my results?
- What are my treatment options?
- What other tests do I need?
- What are my next steps?
Summary
- The ethanol test is used to determine the amount of alcohol (ethanol) in your blood.
- A blood alcohol level that is greater than 0.05% or 50 mg/dL is considered alcohol intoxication. Depending on your location and other factors, levels greater than 0.05% may mean that you cannot legally drive.
- Talk with your health care provider about what your results may mean.
