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Blood Alcohol
About this test
A blood alcohol test measures the amount of
alcohol (ethanol) in your body. Alcohol is quickly absorbed into the blood and
can be measured within minutes of having an alcoholic drink. The amount of
alcohol in the blood reaches its highest level about an hour after drinking.
But food in the stomach may increase the amount of time it takes for the blood
alcohol to reach its highest level. About 90% of alcohol is broken down in the
liver 
. The rest of it is passed out of the body in
urine and your exhaled breath.
Alcohol has a noticeable effect on the body, even when consumed in small amounts. In large amounts, alcohol acts as a sedative and depresses the central nervous system.
A blood alcohol test is often used to find out whether you are legally drunk or intoxicated. If this test is being done for legal reasons, a consent form may be required, but refusing to take the test may have legal consequences.
| By: | Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: April 12, 2010 |
| Medical Review: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine R. Steven Tharratt, MD, MPVM, FACP, FCCP - Pulmonology, Critical Care Medicine, Medical Toxicology | |
© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
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