[Comparison of beta60, beta-slope elimination rates in different periods after alcohol intake].

Ethanol elimination rate, beta60, calculated from hourly measurements of alcohol concentration in blood after its acute intake at a dose of 0.8 g/kg body weight was compared with that after intake of 2 g/kg body weight (experiments 1 and 2 respectively). In the latter experiment, coefficients of variation (CV) of relative mean individual elimination rate proved to be practically equal (11 +/- 3%) for all subjects of the study group (men of different age). This value was significantly smaller than in either separate age group (young and adult men) included in experiment 1(18 +/- 5% and 29.9 + 9% respectively). For each man consuming alcohol at a dose of 0.8 g/kg body weight, ethanol elimination rates were also compared 20, 15, and 10 min after intake. Coefficients of variation in this experiment turned out to be significantly higher, viz. 39%, 60%, and 68% respectively. Similar variations of the ethanol elimination rate were observed in saliva (32-50%). Possible causes of these changes and differences as well as their practical implications are discussed in the context of reliability of forensic medical examination. It is concluded that calculation of individual elimination rate values should be made 60 min after intake of alcohol whereas values obtained within 20 min are unreliable.