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[Reliability of the Alco-Screen dip strips in evaluation of blood alcohol concentration for clinical or forensic
W Denk1, J Missliwetz, H Mortinger
1Institut für gerichtliche Medizin, Universität Wien.
Beitrage Zur Gerichtlichen Medizin
|January 1, 1992
Abstract:
We tested the accuracy of Alco-Screen dipsticks in comparison to the values of blood alcohol. The dipstick test is based on the reaction of alcohol-dehydrogenase, developing a green to blue color. Saliva as well as urine and liquor are easy to obtain at autopsies. We did not get any false-negative results. Interpretation of the change of color turned out to be a problem, because the tip appeared often to be inhomogenous. The dipstick could be used at autopsies and for emergency units, if a quick, semiquantitative result is required.