Medicolegal Evaluation of Suspected Alcohol Consumption

• Main Author: Rizwana Qayyum
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Rawalpindi Medical University 2009-12-01
• Series: Journal of Rawalpindi Medical College
• Subjects: Alcohol consumption; Medicolegal.
• Online Access: https://www.journalrmc.com/index.php/JRMC/article/view/723

Background: To note diagnostic methodology employed by medicolegal officer for evaluation of subjects brought by Police for confirmation of suspected alcohol consumption. Methods: In this cross sectional, observational study,. data of subjects evaluated for suspected alcohol intake was retrieved. Police statement regarding reason for suspecting alcohol consumption, statement of the subjects accused of alcohol consumption, examination findings of medicolegal officer (MLO), details regarding chemical evaluation of body fluids, and conclusion or final report of MLO were sought. Results: 3253 subject’s details were available. 97% (n=3165) of these were making noise with or without din, when apprehended. Standard procedure for evaluation of suspected alcohol was not followed by MLO in most of cases. MLO gave a positive final opinion for alcohol consumption in 95.2% (n=3099) subjects. In 93.12% (n=2887) of these subjects, it was substantiated by laboratory report, while in 6.84% (n=212) subjects no laboratory evaluation was sought. A negative opinion about alcohol consumption was given in 3.50% (n=114) of the subjects. Police suspicion of alcohol consumption and positive final opinion by MLO correlated significantly(p value <0.00001). Conclusion: Police suspicion of alcohol intake and positive medicolegal opinion (clinical and laboratory) of alcohol intake correlate significantly. Medicolegal officers do not comply with standard operating procedures in most of cases.