Health Information
Blood Alcohol
What Affects the Test
Reasons you may not be able to have the test or why the results may not be helpful include:
- Using rubbing alcohol to clean the skin before inserting a needle to draw blood.
- You have high blood ketones, as in Reference diabetic ketoacidosis Opens New Window.
- Taking cough medicines that contain alcohol or herbal supplements, such as kava or ginseng.
- Drinking other alcohols, such as isopropyl alcohol or methanol.
Many medicines may change the results of this test. Be sure to tell your doctor about all the nonprescription and prescription medicines you take.
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