Question:
I was arrested for a DUI (alcohol) and submitted to a blood test. Are DUI (alcohol) blood test results accurate?
Answer:
Typically, there are two different scientific methods used to test blood for the presence of alcohol.
1) Gas Chromatography (GC-FID & GC/MS) – we will discuss this analytical technique in this blog post.
2) Enzymatic Immunoassay (EIA) – The legitimate scientific community, as well as some of the device manufacturers themselves, have decided that EIA testing is not suitable for forensic purposes. In other words, EIA testing should never be used as the means of testing in a courtroom to prosecute someone for an alcohol-related offense.
So let’s talk a little about DUI blood testing by Gas Chromatography. The science itself is very very accurate. But mistakes happen and they happen a lot.
The reason these test results have so many mistakes is not that the science is bad. The mistakes in DUI blood tests occur because we humans are the weak link. Anytime a human is involved as much as they are in DUI blood testing, mistakes are almost guaranteed to happen.
So just because a DUI is based upon a blood test, that does not mean the case should not be contested. In fact, it is the opposite. I would rather defend a blood test case any day over a breath test case because of all the mistakes that occur in the laboratory.
Lee|Coats Law attorney Josh Lee is internationally recognized for his knowledge of the science of blood testing for DUI, APC, DWI, and other alcohol and drug-related driving offenses. Call us today to discuss your case. Lee|Coats Law Firm in Vinita, OK call us today at 918-782-0000 or email us at help@leecoats.com.