Rapid automated enzymatic method for the determination of alcohol in blood and beverages using flow injection analysis

Abstract

An enzymatic method for the determination of alcohol using flow injection analysis is described. Samples are suitably diluted and introduced directly into the system. Blood alcohol is analysed by the stop-flow technique at a rate of 70–80 samples per hour and the results are compared with those from headspace gas chromatography. Alcohol in several beverages is analysed by the continuous-flow technique at a rate of up to 120 samples per hour. In both instances the result is available less than 30 s after injection.