What is the single most important laboratory test for someone suspected of ethanol intoxication?

The most crucial laboratory test for someone suspected of ethanol intoxication is the blood alcohol level. This test directly measures the amount of ethanol present in the bloodstream, providing definitive evidence of intoxication. Accurate knowledge of the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is vital for healthcare providers, since it can guide treatment decisions, determine the severity of intoxication, and assess potential risks associated with various levels of alcohol in the body.

While glucose, electrolytes, and liver function tests can provide important information about a patient’s overall health and the effects of alcohol on the body, they do not specifically diagnose ethanol intoxication. Glucose levels can be affected in cases of intoxication, but they do not confirm the presence or extent of alcohol effect. Electrolyte imbalances may occur due to several conditions, including alcohol use, but again, they are not specific indicators of intoxication. Liver function tests can indicate potential liver damage due to alcohol use over time, but they are more relevant in chronic alcohol use cases, rather than acute intoxication.

In summary, measuring the blood alcohol level is the most direct and effective method to confirm ethanol intoxication and is therefore considered the single most important test in such scenarios.