title: Evaluation of the Alcopatch, a transdermal dosimeter for monitoring alcohol consumption.
abstract: 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.
authors: Menssana Research, Inc, Fort Lee, New Jersey, USA.
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Phillips
authors: J
authors: J
authors: Greenberg
authors: J
authors: J
authors: Andrzejewski
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D000431:Ethanol