Alcohol Testing

Alcohol testing is used to determine whether an individual is currently using alcohol or has used alcohol in the past. It is utilized in a variety of settings and for a number of different purposes. In treatment settings, alcohol testing is used to monitor patients to ensure that they are abstaining from alcohol while in treatment and that they maintain sobriety once treatment is completed. Alcohol testing is also used in forensic settings, most commonly to determine sobriety for those suspected of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. In this case, alcohol testing may be used for screening in roadside sobriety checks to identify those who are suspected of driving while intoxicated and may be entered as evidence in criminal prosecutions for those found to be intoxicated while driving. Follow-up alcohol testing may be routinely conducted to ensure that those who have been convicted of driving while intoxicated or other offenses are abstaining from alcohol use during probation or parole.

Employers use alcohol testing for pre-employment screening of job applicants, for randomly checking current employees for alcohol use or intoxication on the job, and when there is a suspicion of alcohol use on the job. Less commonly, testing is conducted following an on-the-job accident to determine if alcohol was a causative factor in the accident and to protect the employer from possible liability stemming from the injury. For employees identified as using alcohol, testing may occur as a follow-up to rehabilitation or to certify that the employee is ready to return to work. Private corporations and federal and local government agencies (e.g., police, fire, military, transportation, medical) have relied on alcohol testing for these purposes, particularly when employees perform safety-sensitive activities as part of their routine duties, such as operating motor vehicles.

Schools and parents may also use alcohol testing to confirm suspected use or to ensure abstinence in those who have been identified as using alcohol. In these situations, testing may be performed at the school or in the home with home testing kits. Home testing kits are also available for nursing mothers; this allows the detection of alcohol in breast milk so that the mother can be sure that alcohol has dissipated from her breast milk prior to nursing her infant. Research studies often use alcohol testing as a way to screen out individuals who are currently using or, alternatively, to monitor alcohol use as a study progresses. Insurance companies use alcohol and drug testing to make decisions whether to provide coverage and to establish premiums. Oftentimes, these companies will employ a series of tests to confirm suspicious results that are apparent on routine laboratory testing.

Finally, alcohol testing is used in preventative efforts made possible by the wide availability of breath alcohol tests often referred to as breathalyzers. Some breathalyzers are marketed for personal use so that individuals can monitor their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) when drinking; some breathalyzers are even available at establishments where alcohol is served. Thus, individuals are able to judge their level of intoxication based on their BAC and can use this information to moderate their alcohol intake and avoid driving when they are over the legal BAC limit. Another interesting application of breathalyzer technology is the development of ignition interlock devices. Ignition interlock devices are connected to the car's ignition and the driver must provide a breath sample to start the vehicle. The vehicle will not start until the driver passes the breathalyzer test. These devices can be installed at the driver's discretion to limit other drivers from operating the vehicle while intoxicated (e.g., teenage drivers), but the courts are increasingly mandating them for individuals who are convicted of multiple DUIs (driving while under the influence [of alcohol]). They can be programmed to require multiple breath samples while the vehicle is being operated, as well as to ensure that others cannot provide breath samples on the driver's behalf.

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