Blood ethanol determination by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) for forensic applications.
1 analyte
3–5 working days
This method provides quantitative determination of ethyl alcohol in whole blood using NMR spectroscopy, an independent analytical technique for forensic and medico-legal applications.
Clinical indications include:
Ethyl alcohol (ethanol).
Blood ethanol is determined by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, providing an orthogonal analytical approach independent of enzymatic and chromatographic methods. NMR is inherently quantitative and does not require calibration with external standards.
From enquiry to results — a straightforward process.
This test is available to healthcare professionals, wellness brands, clinics, and research institutions worldwide. We currently serve partners in:
Whether you need testing services for your patients, white-label kits for your brand, or method transfer to your own laboratory — get in touch to discuss how we can work together.
Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy directly detects ethanol molecules in blood by measuring the characteristic resonance frequencies of hydrogen atoms in the ethanol molecule. This provides exceptional specificity — NMR measures ethanol itself rather than relying on chemical reactions that may be affected by interferents.
NMR is immune to interference from other volatile substances such as methanol, isopropanol, and acetone that can affect headspace gas chromatography methods. It is considered a reference-grade technique for forensic blood alcohol determination and provides an independent analytical confirmation that strengthens the evidentiary value of results.
A venous blood sample is collected using appropriate forensic protocols. Specimens must be collected into tubes containing sodium fluoride (as a preservative to prevent in vitro ethanol production) and potassium oxalate (as an anticoagulant). Proper chain-of-custody documentation is essential.
Results are typically delivered within 3 to 5 working days from the time your sample arrives at our laboratory. The NMR analysis provides precise quantification of blood ethanol concentration with documented measurement uncertainty.
Yes, NMR-based blood alcohol determination is a validated forensic method with documented measurement uncertainty, and results are suitable for court use and expert witness testimony. The technique's exceptional specificity and independence from other analytical methods make it particularly valuable as a confirmatory or referee analysis.
Masdiag's NMR blood alcohol test is available to forensic laboratories, law enforcement agencies, and healthcare professionals in Europe, the United Kingdom, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. Contact us to discuss testing services or method transfer.
Whether you need testing services, method transfer, or white-label kit development — we'd love to hear from you.