Alcohol
Toxicology Overview / Directory
Purpose of the test
Alcohol is initially rapidly absorbed from the stomach into the bloodstream where it acts on the brain to give a variety of effects dependent on the dose. At low concentrations, alcohol relaxes and tends to lower inhibitions to some extent. As concentrations increase, motor skills and reaction times get worse. Nausea and vomiting can occur, and mood can range from quiet or depressed to loud or violent. If drinking continues, severe impairment of concentration and motor skills can lead to unconsciousness. Continued absorption of alcohol from the stomach after unconsciousness can cause death.
Longer term consequences of alcohol include “hangovers” and dependency, often leading to adverse social consequences, addiction and severe liver disease.
Metabolism is primarily through the liver and follows zero order kinetics, ie the rate of metabolism is independent of the amount drunk. The rate of metabolism will be dependent on the individual, and can be increased by enzyme induction and tolerance, although as liver damage increases this will reverse. There is also some racial and sexual variation in alcohol metabolism, although the observed effects are usually a combination of consumption, tolerance and body size.
Alcohol is legally sold in a large number of licensed premises, and laboratory testing is rarely concerned with illicit alcohol. Police testing is generally concerned with the impairment associated with alcohol, and an acute hospital may measure alcohol to differentially diagnose clinical or alcoholic symptoms.
Sample Requirements
1mL urine or blood collected into a fluoride-oxalate container.
Please note: the methods used are not suitable for police/legal purposes
Storage and Transport
Refrigerate if possible and send by first class post to:
Toxicology Unit
Top Floor, Bessemer Wing
King's College Hospital
Denmark Hill
London
SE5 9RS
If possible, please complete the request form attached and send as a hard copy (do not send electronically) with the sample. This will ensure all relevant information is available and will aid us in processing your test.
PDF Request Form
Turnaround Time
Results are normally available same day.
Time Limit for Extra Tests
Samples for alcohol testing are not suitable for other drug tests.
Please include clinical information / reason for testing.
Price
Price available on application - please contact adrianturner1@nhs.net. Discounts could be available for significant workloads.
Contacts
Ms Michelle Birch
Tel: 020 3299 5883
Fax: 020 3299 5888
