The organization of a 24-hour blood alcohols (volatiles) screening service in a hospital laboratory.

We describe the organization that evolved in the Clinical Biochemistry Department of a tertiary-care hospital for handling blood (serum) alcohol (volatiles) determinations. We use a microprocessor-controlled capillary gas chromatography system which will detect and quantitate methanol, ethanol, isopropanol and acetone. Minimal operator intervention is required, allowing operation of the system 24 hours each day, thus permitting timely detection of these volatiles. A Specimen Trace Card has been devised to document continuity of sample handling from the time of blood collection until completion of the analysis. This has proved of value when laboratory records are used for legal purposes.