Evaluation of the Alcopatch, a transdermal dosimeter for monitoring alcohol consumption.
BACKGROUND
The Alcopatch is an improved transdermal dosimeter for the measurement of alcohol consumption, by detection of ethanol in fluid excreted from the skin. The device is worn as a band around the ankle and provides a visual signal in the event of tampering.


METHODS
Fourteen volunteers wore duplicate Alcopatches for a period of 7 or 8 days, while keeping a written record of their beverage alcohol consumption. Ethanol concentration in the Alcopatch was measured by gas chromatography and correlated with self-reported consumption.


RESULTS
All alcohol consumption in excess of 0.25 g/kg/day resulted in measurable levels of ethanol in the Alcopatch. A positive correlation was observed between the reported consumption of ethanol (in g/kg/day) and the concentration of ethanol in the Alcopatch (square root, in mg/dl) (y = 0.91x + 0.28, r = 0.61) in 12 of 14 subjects.


CONCLUSIONS
The Alcopatch detected the consumption of beverage alcohol with high sensitivity and specificity over a period of 7 to 8 days and may be useful for the study of target populations.
Phillips
M
M
Menssana Research, Inc, Fort Lee, New Jersey, USA.
Greenberg
J
J
Andrzejewski
J
J
D000328:Adult; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000097:blood; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000097:blood / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D002845:Chromatography; D016903:Drug Monitoring / Q000379:methods*; D000431:Ethanol / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic / Q000379:methods*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D013695:Temperance
D000431:Ethanol