Procedure:
(1) The person is usually standing erect with arms outstretched at the sides. The head may be tilted back.
(2) With the eyes closed the person tries to touch the nose with the index finger of one hand while the other arm remains outstretched.
(3) In a similar manner the person tries to touch the nose with the other index finger.
Clues to possible intoxication:
(1) swaying or losing balance, especially when the eyes are closed
(2) stopping to regain balance
(3) inability to touch the nose with the fingertip
Interpretation:
• minimum number of clues: 0
• maximum number of clues: >= 3
• The presence of one or more clues is considered a positive test.
Limitations:
• Some people who are quite sober may have difficulty finding the tip of their nose until they have practiced. However, most of these failures are not as gross as those seen in an intoxicated individual.
• A person who is intoxicated may have the eyelids slightly open, enough to find the tip of the nose.
