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Published on: June 25, 2010
Production of urinary ethanol after sample collection
J J Saady1, A Poklis, H P Dalton
1Department of Pathology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Medical College of Virginia, Richmond.
Journal of Forensic Sciences
|November 1, 1993
Summary
Urine samples with glucose and yeast can produce significant ethanol concentrations after collection. This finding is crucial for accurate drug abuse screening and interpreting urine drug test results.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Chemistry
- Microbiology
- Forensic Toxicology
Background:
- Urine drug testing is increasingly used for alcohol screening.
- Ethanol can be produced via fermentation of carbohydrates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if ethanol can be produced in glucose-positive urine.
- To identify microbiological conditions for ethanol production.
- To assess the significance of urine ethanol concentrations.
Main Methods:
- Collected 14 urine specimens from a medical center's Urinalysis Laboratory.
- Assayed initial ethanol and glucose concentrations.
- Performed microbiological examinations.
- Stored samples at room temperature for up to 21 days, re-testing for ethanol.
Main Results:
- Initially, all specimens were ethanol-negative.
- Five glucose-positive specimens produced ethanol (0.036–2.327 g/100 mL) upon storage.
- Yeast was identified in ethanol-producing samples.
- Glucose-positive, yeast-negative samples did not produce ethanol.
Conclusions:
- Significant ethanol concentrations can develop in urine post-collection.
- Glucose and yeast presence are key factors for post-collection ethanol formation.
- Findings impact the interpretation of urine drug tests for ethanol.
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