The investigative methodology to confirm Alcohol consumption in all suspects at a tertiary care Hospital at Karachi

The investigative methodology to confirm Alcohol consumption

Abstract

Background: Various health problems occur due to alcohol consumption and particularly heavy drinking which contributes to a major burden of diseases globally.

Objective: To identify the investigative methodology carried out by medicolegal officer for the subjects’ evaluation who are brought by the Police in order to confirm the suspected consumption of alcohol.

Methods: In this observational cross sectional study, data related to the subjects who were evaluated for suspected intake of alcohol was analyzed. Statement of Police related to the reason for suspecting the alcohol consumption, subject’s statement who were accused, findings from the examination conducted by the medicolegal officer (MLO), particulars regarding the body fluids chemical evaluation, and conclusive final report of MLO was retrieved.

Study design: Observational Cross sectional study

Results: - In our study total 53 patients were included. All were male, with the mean age of 33.94+10.018 years. The most common age group involved was of 22 to 40 years. Most of the patients belonged to Karachi and Hyderabad and were 54.7% and 22.6% respectively. On chemical analysis, all of the patients were found to have alcohol in blood, while 10 (19%) were found to have alcohol in urine.

Conclusion: Significant correlation was found between the doubt of police regarding alcohol consumption of subjects and opinion of MLO which was based on clinical and laboratory findings. In usual cases, medicolegal officers do not operate under the standard operating procedures.