BAC stands for Blood Alcohol Content. It is also known as the blood alcohol level test, blood alcohol concentration, blood ethanol concentration, and ethyl alcohol/ethanol test. It works as an indicator to determine the alcohol level in our body and calculate it. Its unit is gram per 100mL. A device called a breathalyser is used to measure it. They do not provide accurate results, so urine tests are also an alternative method to calculate BAC. This BAC test is done only within 6 to 12 hours of drinking for accurate results. Young adults and teenagers are especially at risk for binge drinking. The term "binge drinking" refers to consuming excessive amounts of alcohol in a short period of time, that increases the BAC level.
The BAC is used for the following conditions:
Drinking and driving: In some countries consuming alcohol just before driving is prohibited, so BAC is used to check if the driver has consumed alcohol.
Alcohol poisoning: The BAC test is used to determine if anyone is suffering from alcohol poisoning which affects their heart, kidney or lungs.
Duration of alcohol consumed by the person.
Enzymes and their production rate in the body.
The number of drinks consumed.
Hormone rate in an individual.
Values less than 0.05% is considered normal.
When a person feels mood changes, nausea, and slower reflexes, they should go for a BAC test.
Since alcohol is a depressant, those having depression will have an adverse effect from it.
A healthcare professional takes a small amount of blood by inserting a needle into our body. The collected blood is then tested for alcohol concentration.
The drivers are asked to exhale air. The exhaled air is tested through a device until the person completely exhales. At last, the device calculates the alcohol concentration using infrared cells.