Ethanol levels are most commonly tested when symptoms suggest ethanol poisoning, in people suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol, and as part of testing for intoxicating substances. After consumption, ethanol is absorbed through the digestive tract and transported throughout the body in the blood. Small amounts of ethanol are excreted in urine or exhaled in the breath, but most is metabolised by the liver. The liver treats ethanol as a toxic substance. Using enzymes, it first oxidises alcohol to acetaldehyde, then to acetic acid, and finally to carbon dioxide and water. The liver can process approximately one unit of alcohol per hour – where a unit is defined as the amount of alcohol contained in 350 ml of beer, 150 ml of wine or 45 ml of whisky. Consuming more than one unit of alcohol per hour causes ethanol to accumulate in the blood.<\/p>\n
RESULT TURNAROUND TIME:\u00a0 1 day<\/p>\n