When attempts are made to predict alcohol consumption using blood level of alcohol, it is usually assumed that the rate of break down of alcohol in the body is invariable. With such assumptions nomograms are constructed by some workers to provide a simple desk-top solution to estimate either the blood alcohol concentration or the amount of alcohol ingested by an individual. Use of one such nomogram, as proposed by Cassidy, was examined in this study. The results were found to be too inaccurate in providing data for legal considerations. Only limited useful information was obtained. It is therefore concluded that such a nomogram may prove useful in some circumstances only; and, is probably too imprecise for extrapolation of data that no individual case can be considered accurate for legal proceedings. (A)
Abstract