Medical Conditions Impacting BAC in Oklahoma

Breathalyzer and blood tests are meant to measure your blood alcohol content (BAC). Although these tests are rooted in scientific principles, there are still factors that can skew the results.

Certain medical conditions can alter the results of a BAC test. When the results of a BAC test stand to impact your life, job, and finances, understanding how certain medical conditions can produce a flawed result can make all the difference.

What are the medical conditions that impact BAC?

The most common medical condition that can impact BAC is diabetes. Diabetes increases the amount of acetone in your blood. Often, breathalyzer machines cannot tell the difference between acetone content as a result of diabetes and ethyl alcohol content as a result of consuming a drink. Some studies have even shown that diets like Keto, Paleo, and Atkins that are high in fat and protein can cause acetone levels to increase as well. This can result in a false positive test. Diabetics are also more likely to have certain types of bacteria in their blood. These bacteria can actually ferment the blood sample, increasing the amount of alcohol in it if the sample is not stored properly.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can also impact breathalyzer readings. Reflux causes the contents of the stomach to flow back up into the esophagus. If that contents contains recently consumed alcohol, it may result in an inflated reading.

Challenging Your BAC Results

If you have been arrested and charged with DUI after “failing” a breath test, you need to work with an attorney immediately to fight for your rights. Your driving privledge is immediately at stake—and your future could also be impacted if you wait to fight.

Schedule a free, no-obligation case review with the Edge Law Firm today.

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