Citation

Seidl S, Wolf C. Blutalkohol 1998; 35(1): 48-55.

Affiliation

Seidl, S., Abteilung Rechtsmedizin im Klinikum, Universitat Ulm, 89075 Ulm, Germany

Copyright

(Copyright © 1998, International Committee on Alcohol, Drugs and Traffic Safety and Bund gegen Alkohol und Drogen im Straßenverkehr, Publisher Steintor Verlag)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

151 people who had been driving under the influence of alcohol underwent medico-psychological tests in order to regain their driving licences. In addition to gamma-glutamyl-transferase (GGT) and MCV, the carbohydrate deficient transferrin (CDT) was determined. The mean value was 15.9 U/l (6.6 to 70.1 U/l). 6 people (4 %) had a CDT above 30 U/l and 20 people (13 %) had a CDT above 20 U/l. Half of the latter group claimed to have been abstaining from alcohol consumption for several years. Of the 10 who didn't claim abstinence, the admitted daily alcohol intake was relevant in only one case to justify the raised CDT levels. We recommend the determination of CDT in addition to the usual alcohol markers in cases where total abstinence is indispensable for regaining their driving licences. While CDT may be used to prove a wrongly claimed abstinence, it is not suitable to substantiate abstinence.

DWI; DUI