Detection of alcohol in saliva for blood alcohol concentration using alcohol saliva strip test: A forensic aid

Abstract

Context: Alcohol is a factor in many categories of injury. Alcohol intoxication is frequently associated with injuries from falls, fires, drowning, overdoses, physical and sexual abusements, occupational accidents, traffic accidents and domestic violence. In many instances, for forensic purpose, it may be necessary to establish whether the patients/subjects have consumed alcohol that would have been the reason for the injury/accidents. Combining rapidity and reliability, alcohol saliva strip test (AST) has been put forward for the detection of alcohol in saliva for blood alcohol concentration (BAC). In the present study, we have determined BAC by using AST. Aims and Objectives: The main objective of this study was to detect alcohol in saliva for BAC in alcoholics by using AST. Materials and Methods: Two socio-economic groups were selected for the present study where Group A consisted of 40 subjects from the local bar and Group B consisted of 40 subjects from an organized party. The subjects were selected randomly at the local bar and at the organized party who have consumed different forms of alcohol. ALCO-SCREEN 02 plastic strip with a reactive pad was used for the detection of presence of alcohol in saliva. Results: In the present study, 85% of subjects from Group A, i.e., at the local bar, demonstrated positive results of variable intensity with AST when compared to the subjects from Group B in the organized party which was only about 25%. Conclusion: The present study showed that AST, performed by using ALCO-SCREEN 02 plastic strip with a reactive pad, can detect the presence of 0.02% BAC or more that can be helpful for various purposes such as forensic, workplace, medical and research settings. The study also showed that amount, time period, concentration and quality of the alcohol intake can influence the BAC, which can be a contributory factor for many accidents, injuries and medical conditions.