A retrospective comparative analysis of six years of state trauma registry data revealed that among older MVC-injured cases, percentage of cases receiving a BAC test differed by age (p<.001), sex (p<.05), race (p<.05), and ISS (p<.001). BAC was excessively elevated among intoxicated MVC-injured cases. The mean BAC of older (age > 65 years) intoxicated cases (n=80), was 209 mg/dl (SD=78). The mean BAC of younger (age 18-64 years) intoxicated cases (n= 4,034) was 215 mg/dl (SD=83). The decision to test older MVC-injured cases for BAC may be influenced by demographic factors and injury severity. (Author/publisher)
Abstract