Citation

Heise HA. Am. J. Clin. Pathol. 1934; 4(2): 182-188.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1934, American Society of Clinical Pathologists)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

A simple and specific test for alcohol in body fluids is described and its specificity has been demonstrated. Specimens of blood and urine may be preserved for at least a month. For blood, use sodium fluoride, and urine, benzoic acid. The importance of the test lies in its ability to confirm a diagnosis of drunkenness for medicolegal purposes, as well as to give valuable information in differential diagnoses. A preliminary survey of persons injured or killed in auto accidents suggests that alcohol may be a greater factor in such accidents than statistics indicate, and shows the importance of a nation-wide survey of the relationship of alcohol to automobile accidents. The chemical test for alcohol in body fluids will be an important factor in arriving at conclusions concerning the intoxicating ability of certain beverages.

Language: en