2025 Medical Review Officer Online Course with Live Discussion (Includes Digital Syllabus)-Tab 11

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The video explains DOT alcohol testing procedures, emphasizing their distinction from urine drug testing. Alcohol testing uses breath specimens analyzed by certified Evidential Breath Testing (EBT) devices or less precise screening devices (ASDs), which can be saliva or breath-based. Trained Breath Alcohol Technicians (BATs) conduct confirmation tests, while Screening Test Technicians (STTs) may handle initial screenings but cannot perform confirmations. Testing devices must be NHTSA-approved with quality assurance plans ensuring accuracy, maintenance, and expiration monitoring.<br /><br />Screening tests yielding results under 0.02 BAC are considered negative; results ≥0.02 require a confirmation test using an EBT after a mandatory 15-minute wait to avoid mouth alcohol interference. Positive confirmation (≥0.04 BAC) is a DOT violation and triggers immediate employer notification and procedural requirements including signed documentation.<br /><br />The video also covers alcohol pharmacokinetics: alcohol is absorbed in 30-60 minutes, metabolized mainly by liver enzymes at a fixed rate (~0.018% BAC per hour), and distributes throughout body water. Women generally absorb more alcohol due to lower gastric metabolism and body water. The breath-to-blood alcohol ratio is standardized at 2100:1. Urine alcohol testing is less reliable for impairment or timing due to fermentation and urine variability. Metabolites like ethyl glucuronide in urine provide longer detection windows (3-5 days) but may be influenced by incidental exposures (e.g., mouthwash).<br /><br />Overall, the content emphasizes strict procedural adherence, device quality control, and the pharmacology underlying alcohol testing to ensure accurate, legally defensible results in DOT safety-sensitive environments.

Keywords

DOT alcohol testing

Evidential Breath Testing (EBT)

Breath Alcohol Technicians (BATs)

Screening Test Technicians (STTs)

NHTSA-approved devices

Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) thresholds

Alcohol pharmacokinetics

Urine alcohol metabolites