The breathtaking truth about breath alcohol readings of zero

Joris C. Verster, Marlou Mackus, Aurora JAE van de Loo, Johan Garssen, Andrew Scholey

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleResearchpeer-review

9 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Introduction It has been postulated that the hangover state starts when breath alcohol concentration is zero. Methods Data from 2 studies that assessed ethanol in breath, blood and urine were compared. Results The data revealed that ethanol may still be present in the blood and urine during the hangover state, despite breath analyser readings of zero. Discussion As ethanol is still present in the body despite zero breath alcohol readings, the current consensus to postpone cognitive testing in hangover studies until breath alcohol concentration is zero should be reconsidered.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)23-26
Number of pages4
JournalAddictive Behaviors
Volume70
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jul 2017
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Alcohol
  • Blood
  • Breath
  • Ethanol
  • Hangover
  • Urine

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