Ethanol Absorption after Bolus Ingestion of an Alcoholic Beverage. A Medico-Legal Problem. Part I

Blood alcohol concentrations (BAL) were determined in order to monitor the absorption and diffusion-equilibration phases of alcohol in humans. Four hours after the last intake of food, the subjects consumed in five minutes 1 g. alcohol/kg. body weight dose either as 20% v/v or 40% v/v. The blood alcohol concentrations were determined by means of breath samples introduced into Borkenstein Breathalyzers. The concentration of alcohol in the solution ingested had no significant effect upon the times to the maximum blood alcohol level, the time to the plateau blood alcohol level or its duration. The plateau blood alcohol level itself was not affected. The maximum blood alcohol level (BAL max) was not dependent upon the concentration of the alcohol consumed but was significantly higher in females than males. Ninety-six percent of the population tested reached the BAL max within 105 minutes of the start of drinking. Forty minutes after the start of drinking, 93% of the population were within 20 mg.% of the BAL max.