EtOH Medical Abbreviation

EtOH is the medical abbreviation for ethyl alcohol or ethanol, commonly used as antiseptics & alcoholic beverages. Et in EtOH refers to ethyl (2 carbon atoms) and OH refers to hydroxyl group denoting alcohol. In fact, all alcohol is made up of Oxygen (O) & Hydrogen (H). EtOH (Ethyl alcohol) is made up of 2 carbon molecules, oxygen & hydrogen molecules. The molecular formula of EtOH (Ethyl alcohol) is CH₃CH₂OH.

On different medical terms, EtOH abbreviation is used like EtOH test, positive EtOH, EtOH uses, EtOH withdraw, EtOH abuse. In all these medical terms, EtOH refers to Ethyl alcohol or Ethanol.

 

What does positive EtOH mean in medical report?

Positive EtOH or EtOH on Board in medical reports means the person is intoxicated. When EtOH (Ethanol) level is less than 30 mg/dL or 0.03% concentration in blood, the person is not considered intoxicated. We can commonly find the following note/comment about EtOH.

• EtOH Positive
• Positive EtOH
• EtOH on Board

All above notes/comment suggest that the patient is intoxicated or under the influence of alcohol. EtOH or fully capitalized version ETOH can be used interchangeably in medical reports according to individual preference. Both abbreviations refer to ethanol.

 

What is EtOH test?

An EtOH test is a medical test to check the amount of ethanol (EtOH) in blood & to assess the degree of intoxication. This test also helps to diagnosis alcoholism i.e., individual become tolerant to ethanol without any evidence of intoxication at the level in which normal people experience substance effect.

In an individual, Blood alcohol level more than 30 mg/dL (above 0.003%) suggestive of consumption of alcoholic beverage.

Commonly, blood is taken for specific EtOH tests. For that Routine venipuncture is done but the site of venipuncture should be wiped with non-alcohol-based solution like povidone-iodine or benzalkonium.

Breathalyzer is a device commonly used by police officer for the indirect measurement of amount of alcohol in driver’s breath. We can use it for the indirect measurement of Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) from the expired air.  The ratio of breath alcohol to blood alcohol is 1900:1 means that 1900 ml of expired air will have same amount of alcohol in 1 ml of blood.

 

Degree of EtOH (Ethanol) intoxication:

If Blood Alcohol concentration level is between 0.01 – 0.05, there is no loss of coordination, euphoria, & loss of shyness.

If Blood Alcohol concentration level is between 0.04 – 0.06, there is sense of well-being, relaxation, euphoria, minor impairment of reasoning & memory loss.

If Blood Alcohol concentration level is between 0.07 – 0.12, there is impairment of balance, slurred speech, significant impairment of motor coordination & loss of good judgement.

If Blood Alcohol concentration level is between 0.13 – 0.20. there is significant motor impairment & loss of physical control, blurred vision, significant loss of balance, euphoria reduced, dysphoria (anxiety, restlessness) & nausea may appear.

If Blood Alcohol concentration level is 0.30, there is loss of consciousness.

If Blood Alcohol concentration level is 0.40 & above, there is onset of coma & person may die due to respiratory depression.

 

Medical use of EtOH (Ethyl alcohol)

• Ethanol is used as an antiseptic.
• Used in sanitizer & hand wipes (more than 60%). It has antibacterial & antiviral properties as it destroys the protein coat of viruses, bacteria & destroys the viruses, bacteria as well as slow down or stop the growth of bacteria.
• Used as solvent in different mouthwashes.
• Used as anti-tussive agent in cough medicine.
• Used as Antidote for methanol poisoning.
• Used as fixative in cytopathology (95% ethanol).

 

There are a lot more other uses of EtOH in houses & business.

• Used in alcoholic beverages.
• Ethanol is water soluble compound and used as solvent to dissolve substances that are insoluble in water. It is used in cosmetic products, perfumes, and paints.
• Used in alcohol-based thermometer.
• Used as fuel.
• Used in detergents & other household cleaning agents.

 

Signs of EtOH Abuse

Signs of EtOH Abuse or Alcohol addiction are mentioned below in points.

• Nausea & vomiting
• Anxiety
• Sweating
• Tachycardia & increased Blood pressure
• Tremors of extremities
• Hallucination & delirium tremens
• Irritability & confusion

 

EtOH (Ethyl alcohol) is the only alcohol that humans can drink safely. Ethanol is one of the most addictive substances in the world. It is used in many alcoholic beverages in varying concentration like beer, wine, whisky, rum, vodka, etc.

EtOH (Ethanol) is mostly absorbed in small intestine & secondarily in stomach. More than 90% of EtOH (Ethanol) metabolized in the liver. It is oxidized in liver by the enzymes Alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) & Aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH).

 

Effect of EtOH (Ethanol) in Human Body

Alcohol, also known as ethanol (EtOH), is a psychoactive substance that can have various effects on the human body when consumed. Here are some of the key effects of alcohol:

1. Central Nervous System: Alcohol acts as a depressant on the central nervous system (CNS), which can lead to a range of effects such as relaxation, reduced inhibitions, slowed reaction time, impaired judgment, and decreased coordination. As alcohol consumption increases, these effects can intensify and lead to drowsiness, confusion, loss of consciousness, and even coma.

2. Liver: The liver is primarily responsible for metabolizing alcohol. Excessive and prolonged alcohol consumption can lead to liver damage and diseases such as fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer.

3. Digestive System: Alcohol can irritate and damage the lining of the digestive tract, leading to conditions like gastritis, ulcers, and increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. It can also interfere with nutrient absorption and contribute to malnutrition.

4. Cardiovascular System: Low to moderate alcohol consumption has been associated with some potential cardiovascular benefits, such as a slight increase in HDL ("good") cholesterol and a decreased risk of certain types of heart disease. However, excessive alcohol intake can have harmful effects on the cardiovascular system, including high blood pressure, irregular heart rhythms, weakened heart muscles, and an increased risk of stroke.

5. Immune System: Chronic alcohol abuse weakens the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections and diseases. It can impair the body's ability to fight off pathogens and increase the risk of pneumonia, tuberculosis, and other respiratory infections.

6. Mental Health: Alcohol is known to affect mood and mental health. While it may initially produce a feeling of relaxation and euphoria, excessive alcohol consumption can contribute to the development or exacerbation of mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety. It can also increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

7. Dehydration: Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it increases urine production and can lead to dehydration. This can result in symptoms such as thirst, dizziness, fatigue, and headaches. Severe dehydration can have serious health consequences.

8. Addiction: Alcohol has the potential to be highly addictive. Prolonged and excessive alcohol consumption can lead to alcohol use disorder (AUD), characterized by a loss of control over drinking, physical dependence, and withdrawal symptoms when alcohol intake is reduced or stopped.

It's important to note that individual responses to alcohol can vary based on factors such as body weight, metabolism, tolerance, and overall health. It is recommended to consume alcohol in moderation, if at all, and to avoid drinking if you are underage, pregnant, planning to drive, or have certain medical conditions. If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol abuse or addiction, seeking professional help is advisable.