Citation

Dettling A, Bohler S, Fischer F, Ulrichs F, Skopp G, von Meyer L, Strohbeck-Kühner P, Graw M, Haffner HT. Blutalkohol 2006; 43(5): 376-384.

Affiliation

Institut fur Rechts- und Verkehrsmedizin, Universitat Heidelberg, Luisenstr. 5, 69115 Heidelberg, Germany

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, International Committee on Alcohol, Drugs and Traffic Safety and Bund gegen Alkohol und Drogen im Straßenverkehr, Publisher Steintor Verlag)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The elimination of both breath alcohol concentration (BrAC) and blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was investigated in 81 females and 96 males. An estimate of the elimination rate was based on 3 to 15 measurement points of the linear proportion of the elimination curve. It could be assumed, that the post-absorptive BrAC elimination was also linear. Regression analysis of BrACs gave a linear regression line which was as precise as that obtained for BACs. Elimination rates of BrAC values were significantly higher in females than in males, with 0,092 (plus or minus) 0,014 mg/l/h and 0,080 (plus or minus) 0,014 mg/l/h, respectively. Also the elimination rates of BAC values were higher in females than in males with 0,188 (plus or minus) 0,031 g/kg/h and 0,168 (plus or minus) 0,031 g/kg/h, respectively. These findings could be the basis of probability calculations for establishing maximum and minimum BrAC values, which are required for back calculation in legal purposes. Furthermore, the data reveal a necessary review of the burn-off rates of BAC values, which are currently in use for back calculation. Gender differences and an increased elimination rate should also be considered.

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