Correlation of Ethanol Concentrations in Blood and Saliva

1. The concentrations of ethanol in blood, mixed saliva obtained before and after rinsing and drying the mouth and parotid saliva have been monitored in 12 healthy subjects after the ingestion of alcohol.

2. A highly significant linear correlation was found between blood and the three types of saliva examined from 20 min after completion of drinking.

3. Blood and mixed saliva samples were obtained from 20 patients attending the Casualty Department with evidence of ethanol intoxication. A similar correlation was obtained.

4. These results show that salivary ethanol may be used as an index of blood ethanol concentrations, provided that the salivary sample is not obtained within 20 min of the ingestion of alcohol.