Professional responsibilities and liabilities of the pathologist concerning the problem drinker

The single area of operation in which the clinical laboratory is involved with the law most frequently is that concerning blood alcohol levels. Whether drawing a specimen at the request of a police officer or analyzing it for a blood alcohol level, the laboratory is involved in the legal process. This article discusses the various legal theories and problems surrounding this procedure to give the pathologist and technologist the knowledge required to respond to a request by a police officer. The legal problems surrounding the analysis of such a specimen are also elaborated upon. Since court testimony may be required, the article discusses how to prepare for such testimony and what to expect in court as a witness.