A study on the correlation of blood and vitreous humour alcohol levels in the late absorption and elimination phases

Med Sci Law. 1990 Jan;30(1):29-33. doi: 10.1177/002580249003000107.

Abstract

By using the urine:blood alcohol level ratio as the indicator, the correlation of blood alcohol level (B) and vitreous humour alcohol level (V) in the late absorption and elimination phases was studied. It was found to be good (r = 0.98) and B = 0.76V + 4.7. It is suggested that this equation can safely be used to estimate the minimum blood alcohol level where cadaveric blood is unsuitable or unavailable for analysis and that the B/V ratio can be used to infer the phase in which death occurred where urine is not available.

MeSH terms

  • Ethanol / blood
  • Ethanol / pharmacokinetics*
  • Humans
  • Intestinal Absorption
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Vitreous Body / metabolism*

Substances

  • Ethanol