OPAM Workshop: Medical Review Officer Training Course: Toxicology Testing and the MRO, A Physician's Role in the Prevention and Treatment of Substance Abuse-285274

Video Transcription

Video Summary

Barry Sample, a consultant with over 40 years of experience in the drug testing industry, discusses alcohol testing, touching on scientific, technical, practical, and legal aspects. Alcohol's effects, such as intoxication and potential health risks like fetal alcohol syndrome and liver disease, are well-known. He highlights that impairment can begin at low blood alcohol levels, complicating matters when combined with other drugs. The talk delves into the body's absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of alcohol, noting differences between individuals such as men and women due to variations in gastric alcohol dehydrogenase. Various methods of alcohol testing, including breath, blood, urine, and saliva, are compared, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Legal cases and standards, such as the Supreme Court's decisions and the DOT's regulations, are also discussed. Finally, he explores the roles of medical review officers and the use of biomarkers like ETG and ETS in workforce testing.

Keywords

alcohol testing

fetal alcohol syndrome

blood alcohol levels

gastric alcohol dehydrogenase

biomarkers ETG ETS

legal standards