Ketone bodies do not give falsely positive alcohol tests

Ketosis, as observed in diabetic ketoacidosis or secondary to hypoglycaemia, may be associated with symptoms resembling those of acute alcoholism. It is thus essential to rule out the possibility that ketone bodies cross-react with any method of ethanol determination. Two currently used methods for detecting ethanol in the expired air (Alcotest and a fuel cell electrode), and three methods for blood determination (the nitrochromic method, gas liquid chromatography, and the TDX-REA method) were examined. No cross-reaction was found in nine grossly ketotic diabetic subjects. In vitro 3-hydroxybutyrate, acetoacetate or acetone, alone (30 mmol l-1) or in association, did not cross-react in the assays studied.