Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 7, 2026

Chronic Intermittent Ethanol Vapor Exposure Paired with Two-Bottle Choice to Model Alcohol Use Disorder
Published on: June 23, 2023
The breathtaking truth about breath alcohol readings of zero
Joris C Verster1, Marlou Mackus2, Aurora Jae van de Loo3
1Utrecht University, Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht, The Netherlands; Utrecht University, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht, The Netherlands; Swinburne University, Centre for Human Psychopharmacology, Melbourne, Australia.
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.
Related Concept Videos
Blood Studies I: ABG and VBG
Arterial Blood Gas (ABG)
Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) studies are crucial for assessing the lungs' ability to supply oxygen and remove carbon dioxide, reflecting the patient's ventilation status. They also help understand the kidneys' capacity to...
Uncertainty in Measurement: Reading Instruments
Assessment of blood pressure in brachial artery(one-step method)
Prepare for the Procedure:
Pre-Procedural Guidelines for Assessing Blood Pressure
Blood Transfusion and Agglutination
History
The history of blood transfusion dates back to the 17th century, when early attempts were made in animals. In 1818 James Blundell, a British doctor, performed the first successful human blood transfusion. Later in 1900, Karl...
Blood Transfusion
Blood Transfusion Overview
A blood transfusion is a medical procedure used to replace blood lost due to injury, surgery, or to treat conditions such as anemia or cancer. During a transfusion, donor blood is...

