Application of phosphatidylethanol (PEth) in whole blood in comparison to ethyl glucuronide in hair (hEtG) in driving aptitude assessment (DAA)

For driving aptitude assessment (DAA), the analysis of several alcohol biomarkers is essential for the detection of alcohol intake besides psycho-medical exploration. In Switzerland, EtG in hair (hEtG) is often the only direct marker for abstinence monitoring in DAA. Therefore, the suitability of phosphatidylethanol (PEth) was investigated as additional biomarker. PEth 16:0/18:1 and 16:0/18:2 were determined by online-SPE-LC-MS/MS in 136 blood samples of persons undergoing DAA and compared to hEtG, determined in hair segments taken at the same time. With a PEth 16:0/18:1 threshold of 210 ng/mL for excessive alcohol consumption, all (n = 30) but one tested person also had hEtG values ≥30 pg/mg. In 54 cases, results are not in contradiction to an abstinence as neither PEth (<20 ng/mL) nor hEtG (<7 pg/mg) was detected. In eight cases, both markers showed moderate consumption. Altogether, PEth and hEtG were in accordance in 68 % of the samples, although covering different time periods of alcohol consumption. With receiver operating characteristic analysis, PEth was evaluated to differentiate abstinence, moderate, and excessive alcohol consumption in accordance with hEtG limits. A PEth 16:0/18:1 threshold of 150 ng/mL resulted in the best sensitivity (70.6 %) and specificity (98.8 %) for excessive consumption. Values between 20 and 150 ng/mL passed for moderate consumption, values <20 ng/mL passed for abstinence. As PEth mostly has a shorter detection window (2-4 weeks) than hEtG (up to 6 months depending on hair length), changes in drinking behavior can be detected earlier by PEth than by hEtG analysis alone. Therefore, PEth helps to improve the diagnostic information and is a valuable additional alcohol marker for DAA.

Predictors and Consequences of Simultaneous Alcohol and Cannabis Use in Adolescents

Background/Aims: The simultaneous use of alcohol and cannabis is common among adolescents, but has been little studied. In this study, we examine predictors and consequences of this behavior in a population-based sample of high school students. Method: Self-reports were obtained from students in Quebec (Canada) followed throughout high school (N=6589). Logistic regressions were used to test the association between individual, family, and peerrelated predictors in grades 7–8 and simultaneous alcohol and cannabis use in grade 10, as well as between simultaneous alcohol and cannabis use in grade 10 and experiencing 3 or more substance-related problems of various types (legal, physical, etc.) in grade 11. Results: Most predictors in grades 7–8 were associated with simultaneous alcohol and cannabis use in grade 10. Only variables reflecting early-onset substance use involvement — alcohol intoxication, cannabis use, and drug use by close friend(s) — remained predictive in a multivariate model. Simultaneous alcohol and cannabis use was associated with increased substance-related problems in grade 11, above and beyond baseline problems and the concurrent use of the two substances in separate episodes in grade 10. Conclusions: Simultaneous alcohol and cannabis use 1) is anticipated by multiple psychosocial risk factors which come together with individual and peer substance use in early high school and 2) is independently predictive of subsequent substance-related problems. Providing adolescents with adequate information regarding the potential harm of simultaneous use may be a useful prevention strategy.

Drug and alcohol testing results 2001 annual report.

Statistics on employees returned to duty and results of return-to-duty tests and follow-up tests are presented separately from results of the other four test types because return-to-duty tests and follow-up tests represent a different segment of the test population and not all employers offer rehabilitation.

Development of tire intermix performance and inspection system. Volume III: laboratory tire test data. Final report.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Washington, D.C.

Vehicle integration and evaluation of advanced restraint systems. Phase B - test report: Torino-to-Volvo tests.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Washington, D.C.

Correlation between ultrasonic nondestructive inspection and wheel test of 34 retreaded tires. Interim report.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Office of Research and Development, Washington, D.C.

Report of pre and post road test ultrasonic inspection results on 134 passenger tires: final report.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Washington, D.C.

The evaluation of 1975 Torino type 2 restraint systems with web locking and force limiting features. Test report.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Washington, D.C.

Test facility inventory for the U.S. Department of Transportation. Final report. Volume I of VI.

National Highway Safety Bureau, Washington, D.C.

The Hitch case - saving ampoules for a defendant from a chemical test for alcoholic intoxication. Final report.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Office of Driver and Pedestrian Programs, Washington, D.C.

A system for diagnosis, referral, and rehabilitation of persons convicted of driving while intoxicated: the system and a preliminary field test of the diagnostic procedure. Final report.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Washington, D.C.

Safety compliance test for FMVSS 301-75 and Accident Investigation Division data. Final report.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Office of Research and Development, Washington, D.C.

Development and field test of psychophysical tests for DWI arrest. Final report.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Washington, D.C.

RSV test monitoring and data publication - results of European performance and handling tests on the Calspan RSV. Final report.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Washington, D.C.

Safety compliance test program: FMVSS 212, 219, 301-75, NCAP, Accident Investigation Division data. Final report.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Office of Research and Development, Washington, D.C.