Of the three major types of chemical testing—breath, blood and urine—urine is the least accurate gauge of blood alcohol content. This is due to the three-phased cycle of alcohol consumption: absorption, distribution and elimination.
During the absorption period, the alcohol level in your blood increases. BAC levels plateau in the distribution period, and finally fall during elimination.
Alcohol content in urine is at its highest during the elimination phase—about 1.3 times higher than the correlating blood alcohol content. This means that while it is possible to obtain a blood alcohol content reading via a urine sample, it simply will not be an accurate reflection of your true BAC.
It is possible in certain situations to obtain a false positive for alcohol when performing a urine test. Diabetics or people suffering from yeast or bacterial infections may have a false positive reading for alcohol in their urine sample.
Urine must be stored at the proper refrigeration level, or the sample will be rendered useless.
If you have been charged with DUI and were asked to submit to a urine test, you should consult with an attorney immediately to discuss the handling and administration of the test. A knowledgeable lawyer will be able to examine the results and the way the test was administered to determine whether the results show an accurate reading.
Tennessee DUI defense attorney Marcos Garza has undergone numerous forensic science courses, including training in blood, breath and urine testing methods. With hundreds of hours of training in forensic science and chemical testing, Mr. Garza is also highly experienced in criminal court proceedings, having helped thousands of clients reach favorable verdicts in their DUI cases.
If you or someone you love is facing DUI charges in the state of Tennessee, contact Mr. Garza at the Garza Law Firm to request a free case consultation. Mr. Garza can help determine the legitimacy of any chemical tests administered and build a defense strategy that is unique to your situation.
To schedule a free, no-obligation case consultation, call the Garza Law Firm at (888) 680-7554.