Comparison of four kits for enzymatic determination of ethanol in blood

We compared results obtained with four commercially available kits for the enzymatic (alcohol dehydrogenase) determination of ethanol in blood, in a practical test in which standardized blood samples were used. Each of the kits yielded reliable results with acceptable reproducibility. A tendency to record slightly lower values in the intermediate and high alcohol range is most likely related to incomplete (inhomogeneous) deproteinization. Blood samples containing ethanol plus various concentrations of methanol and isopropanol were analyzed to evaluate the specificity of assays. Highly toxic blood concentrations of methanol (1.5 g/liter) increased apparent ethanol values only insignificantly, but even small concentrations of isopropanol (0.5 g/liter) interfered in all kits to different but substantial extents. The specific technical characteristics of the kits, their advantages and disadvantages are discussed. Costs are compared for analysis of small numbers of samples.