[Detection of ethanol using an enzyme method]

In conjunction with the necessary modernization of the operation of toxicological laboratories the authors tested the dehydrogenase method for assessment of ethanol on an automatic analyzer ACA of DuPont Co. They revealed a satisfactory correlation of results as compared with gas chromatography (correlation coefficient c = 0.992, regression coefficient BO = 0.107) and an excellent correlation with Widmarks test (c = 0.994, BO = -0.001). The sensitivity of the enzyme method is 0.025 g/l and the accuracy is also satisfactory (variation coefficient for intraassay and extraassay does not exceed 3%). The method is not quite specific, high isopropanol concentrations interfere with assessment. This rapid automated method can suitable supplement the spectrum of statim toxicological analyses in clinical suspicion of ethanol intoxication or prove helpful in forensic medical practice as an alternative to Widmarks test.