Published: Journal of Analytical Toxicology, Volume 20, Number 3, May/June 1996, pp. 171-178.
Comparison of Ethanol Concentrations in Blood, Serum, and
Blood Cells for Forensic Application
R.C. Charlebois, M.R. Corbett, and J.G. Wigmore
Ethanol concentrations in serum (SAC) and whole blood (BAC) were determined for 235 subjects by a headspace gas chromatographic method. The SAC:BAC ratios ranged between 1.04 and 1.26. The mean was 1.14, and the normal distribution had a standard deviation (SD) of 0.041. When a conversion (division) factor for SAC to BAC of 1.18 (mean + 1 SD) was used, 84% of estimated BACs were less than that measured; the remaining estimates differed by less than 7 mg/dL. An SAC greater than 100 mg/dL reliably indicated a BAC of more than 80 mg/dL. Ethanol concentrations in blood cells (CAC) were similarly determined for 167 of these subjects. The CAC:BAC ratios ranged from 0.66 to 1.00 and had a mean of 0.865 and a negatively skewed normal distribution with an SD of 0.065. When a conversion (division) factor for CAC to BAC of 0.93 (mean + 1 SD) was used, 89% of estimated BACs were less than that measured; the remaining estimates differed by less than 8 mg/dL. A CAC greater than 80 mg/dL reliably indicated a BAC of more than 80 mg/dL. The CAC is useful in forensic practice when either blood or serum is not available.
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