Is there a condition in humans wherein they generate endogenous ethanol at sufficient quantities to interfere with alcohol analyzers? I have heard of this as a defense for drunk driving, but it seems hard to believe. Does anyone have an understanding of such metabolism?
I have also heard of such DUI defenses under anaerobic conditions (exercise, near drowning, genetic mutation in metabolic pathway) but normal endogenous levels are unlikely to interfere with alcohol analyzers. Most "endogenous" human BAC (blood alcohol content) arises from gut bacteria at a mean 0.039 +/- 0.045 mg/dL, which is probably an undetectable 0.05% of the 80 mg/dL limit (0.08 g/dL or BAC) in most of the US. http://alcalc.oxfordjournals.org/content/36/6/608.full
I have also heard of such DUI defenses under anaerobic conditions (exercise, near drowning, genetic mutation in metabolic pathway) but normal endogenous levels are unlikely to interfere with alcohol analyzers. Most "endogenous" human BAC (blood alcohol content) arises from gut bacteria at a mean 0.039 +/- 0.045 mg/dL, which is probably an undetectable 0.05% of the 80 mg/dL limit (0.08 g/dL or BAC) in most of the US. http://alcalc.oxfordjournals.org/content/36/6/608.full
thanks Carl! It would seem that such a condition, if it really existed, would leave the subject incapacitated all of the time. The genetic mutation issue might be more difficult to answer, however. On the other hand, it must be quite rare, if it indeed exists.
Hi, I deal with DUI cases all the time and have come across many "defences" of this type. However, ther is evidence that gut bacteria CAN produce small quantities of ethanol, enough to yield up to 15mg/100mL of blood in exceptional circumstances.
If the endogenous production of EtOH is possible, then is also true that blood phosphatidylethanol (PEth) would also be present on some small scale? Currently, ANY level of detectable PEth is considered a "positive" in alcohol testing. Since detection techniques are becoming increasingly more sensitive, this could be an issue until they define cut offs for PEth testing- which I doubt that they will until a lawsuit is filed! .
As far as I know, mammals cannot produce ethanol as the biosynthetic machinery is missing and if it is found endogenously it is likely to be produced by microorganisms in the GI tract.
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