Reader’s Question:

I have read that in some DUI cases here in Baltimore, Maryland, blood alcohol test has been proven inaccurate. What are the things that could affect the results of the blood alcohol test?

Robert

Baltimore, MD

Apparently, laboratory testing errors could occur in blood alcohol testing in measuring the blood alcohol content for someone who is suspected for DUI. This can actually render any test result inaccurate. But the most significant concern for blood alcohol testing is whether the test is of the “blood serum” or of the “whole blood.” Police crime laboratories in Baltimore, Maryland would test the “whole blood” and would produce the blood alcohol content (BAC). But several clinics and hospitals test only the “blood serum,” which results in a BAC that can be 25% - 33% higher than a “whole blood” test result.

Blood alcohol test results could also not be helpful or inaccurate if rubbing alcohol is swabbed before drawing the blood sample. The person may also have high blood ketones, as in diabetic ketoacidosis which could affect the result of the test. It can also have an effect on the test results if the person takes herbal supplements and cough medicines that contain alcohol, such as kava or ginseng.

Tags: blood alcohol test, DUI, DUI lawyer