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Blood Ethanol Levels and Diagnosis of Alcohol Abuse

Purpose: To use the blood ethanol levels as an indication of alcohol abuse.

Description

Patients who abuse alcohol can be identified from elevated blood alcohol levels. The blood level needs to be correlated with information on the time of collection and the patient's physical condition. Blood alcohol levels can be useful for monitoring patients in alcohol abuse treatment programs.


 

Blood Ethanol Concentrations and Criteria for Alcohol Abuse

from the U.S. National Council on Alcoholism

 

Blood Ethanol Concentration

Timing of Specimen

> 100 mg/dL

at time of routine (nonemergency) medical examination

> 150 mg/dL

without gross evidence of intoxication

> 300 mg/dL

at any time

 

Detection of blood alcohol in a patient in an alcohol treatment program suggests failure to abstain from drinking and may indicate relapse.

 


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Specialty

Objective

ICD-10