What Are Chances Of Testing Positive For Alcohol Test Inspite Of Drinking Regularly?

Posted on Wed, 16 Apr 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 16 Apr 2014 Answered on

Mon, 5 May 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi. I had an alcohol and drug urine test done at my workplace. I had about 9 glasses (whiskey) with lemonade the night before, started drinking at 8:00pm and finished at 04:30am. I took the test at 03:30pm. What are the chances of testing positive, and also that morning took two Nurofen, similar to Panadol. I am a female regular drinker 1,2 drinks most nights. 164cm, 47kg. Thank you

Answered by Dr. Abhishek Kapoor (6 hours later)

Brief Answer: Chances of positive test is very high Detailed Answer: Hi Thanks for using healthcare magic. I, Dr Abhishek Kapoor, would help you in this query. One serving of alcohol is fully absorbed into the blood stream within 30 minutes to 2 hours after intake. This is because the body can metabolize about 7ml of alcohol per hour. However, the effects of alcohol vary by individual and by how much alcohol they drink in one session. In fact, the effects and levels of alcohol in the body depend upon a number of factors: 1. a person’s size and weight 2. individual metabolism rate 3. related food intake 4. the beverage consumed Alcohol is eliminated from body at a rate of 7-10 gm (1 standard drink) an hour. So, BAC may remain elevated for considerable periods following ingestion. If an individual drinks 9 large drinks (60 ml.) of whisky (18 units) during an evening, then alcohol will still be present in his blood at noon the following day. You have taken 9 drinks of whisky at night, that means it would stay in body minimum for minimum 10 hours and last drink was at 4:30pm. So, chances of getting positive urine test of alcohol is high. Elimination half life of nurofen (ibuprofen) is in the range 1.9 to 2.2 hours. A drug need five half to eliminate from body completely, that means it would take at least 10 hours. Again chances of getting positive test for nurofen is also very high. In case, you need further help, you can ask. Regards Dr. Abhishek Kapoor Psychiatrist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar