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Related Experiment Videos

Screening for alcohol intoxication by the osmolar gap.

J C Coakley, S Tobgui, P M Dennis

    Pathology
    |July 1, 1983
    PubMed
    Summary

    A large osmolar gap indicates significant ethanol intoxication. Measuring this gap offers a rapid, effective screening test for alcohol intoxication, often sufficient for clinical needs.

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    Area of Science:

    • Clinical Chemistry
    • Toxicology
    • Biochemistry

    Background:

    • Ethanol intoxication is a significant clinical concern.
    • Plasma osmolality measurements can indicate intoxication.
    • The osmolar gap is the difference between measured and calculated plasma osmolality.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To evaluate the osmolar gap as a screening test for ethanol intoxication.
    • To compare the osmolar gap method with traditional ethanol assays.

    Main Methods:

    • Measurement of plasma osmolality.
    • Calculation of the osmolar gap using a correction factor.
    • Comparison with alcohol dehydrogenase assay for ethanol.

    Main Results:

    • A large osmolar gap effectively detects significant ethanol intoxication.
    • The osmolar gap method is rapid and effective.
    • It compares favorably with the alcohol dehydrogenase assay.

    Conclusions:

    • The osmolar gap is a valuable rapid screening test for alcohol intoxication.
    • Specific ethanol assays are only needed in limited clinical situations.
    • Other substances can occasionally elevate the osmolar gap, requiring careful interpretation.

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