Citation

Westenbrink W. Can. J. Med. Technol. 1992; 54(4): 228-238.

Affiliation

Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Halifax, NS.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1992, Canadian Society of Laboratory Technologists)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

10123234

Abstract

Medical laboratory technologists routinely conduct alcohol analyses for medical purposes, however, in certain circumstances the results are used legally to determine a driver's Blood Alcohol Concentration. The technologist who performed the analysis may subsequently be required to provide evidence in court. The primary areas of interest to the court in these cases are: the type of swab utilized, the continuity of the blood sample, the method of analysis, the margin of error of the results, and the conversion of a serum alcohol concentration to a blood alcohol concentration in units as per the Criminal Code. Pre-trial preparation, courtroom procedures, and suggestions to enhance the technologist's credibility as a professional witness are outlined.

Language: fr