Types of DUI Tests and What Affects Their Results
There are three main classifications of tests used in finalizing the conviction of someone charged with driving under the influence (DUI). The three chemical tests are blood analysis, urine analysis, and the breathalyzer test.
Blood test
The most accurate of the three is the blood test. After the person has failed the breathalyzer test, he or she will also have a blood sample drawn for more accurate evidence. The blood test will not only test the actual alcohol level but also if the person has taken drugs. Results from this test will be the strongest evidence against a person charged with DUI. The alcohol level found in blood increases as time goes by. Your alcohol level is highest an hour after drinking alcohol. Results may not be as accurate if the suspect has diabetic ketoacidosis, which is characterized by a high amount of ketones.
Urine analysis
Urine analysis is the least accurate of all the tests. This is not often used and is only conducted when the other two cannot be done.
Despite its low accuracy, a urine sample can determine if drugs have been used. Drugs such as marijuana usually take a while to flush out. A suspect found driving while intoxicated may also be charged for illegal drug use if other tests prove this.
Breath test
The breathalyzer is used by the suspect upon being caught on the road. The suspect's blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is determined from the alcohol present in his or her breath. The BAC is a way to measure levels of alcohol in the body. It is expressed in percentage form so that it may apply to people of all shapes and sizes. Smokers who end up driving under the influence may have higher blood alcohol readings on the Breathalyzer. This is because Breathalyzers report the presence of a specific group in a molecule. This specific group can also be found in alcohol, so it can't analyze the difference between alcohol and the said group. This group or compound is acetaldehyde. There are more acetaldehyde in smokers compared to non-smokers. Hence, the Breathalyzers will give a result higher than what the alcohol actually presents.
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