The role of the medical laboratory technologist in drinking and driving cases. Part 1: The Criminal Code and blood collection for alcohol analysis.
Police officers can now demand blood samples from suspected impaired drivers in Canada to determine their Blood Alcohol Concentration. The medical laboratory technologist has been given the authority to take blood samples for legal purposes, as well as the authorization to complete certificates used as evidence in court. The proper procedures for the taking of blood samples and the completion of certificates are described in detail. The Criminal Code offences dealing with drinking and driving, the means by which police officers can legally obtain blood samples, the Blood Alcohol Kit, and the provision of providing blood collection evidence in court are discussed to aid the technologists in understanding their role in this process. The Criminal Code definitions of a "qualified medical practitioner", a "qualified technician", and "approved containers" are also described.
Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Halifax.
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Westenbrink
D000435:Alcoholic Intoxication / Q000097:blood* / Q000175:diagnosis; D001336:Automobiles / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D001800:Blood Specimen Collection / Q000592:standards*; D002170:Canada; D004282:Documentation / Q000592:standards*; D005568:Forms and Records Control; D017056:Medical Laboratory Personnel / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D012380:Role; D015813:Substance Abuse Detection / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*