Paradigm Shift for the Alcohol Breath Test
Michael P. Hlastala Ph.D.,
Michael P. Hlastala Ph.D.
Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Box 356522, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-6522.
Search for more papers by this authorMichael P. Hlastala Ph.D.,
Michael P. Hlastala Ph.D.
Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Box 356522, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-6522.
Search for more papers by this authorAdditional information and reprint requests:Michael P. Hlastala, Ph.D.Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care MedicineBox 356522University of WashingtonSeattleWA 98195-6522E-mail: [email protected]
Abstract
Abstract: The alcohol breath test (ABT) has been used for quantification of ethyl alcohol in individuals suspected of driving under the influence for more than 50 years. In this time, there has been little change in the concepts underlying this single breath test. The old model, which assumes that end-exhaled breath alcohol concentration is closely related to alveolar air alcohol concentration, is no longer acceptable. This paper reviews experimental research and mathematical modeling which has evaluated the pulmonary exchange processes for ethyl alcohol. Studies have shown that alcohol exchanges dynamically with the airway tissue both during inspiration and expiration. The airway tissue interaction makes it impossible to deliver air with alveolar alcohol concentration to the mouth. It is concluded that the ABT is dependent on physiological factors that need to be assessed for accurate testing.
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