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Hematocrit and Its Effect on DUI Charges: What You Need to Know
If you’re pulled over for a suspected DUI, factors beyond alcohol consumption could be at play when it comes to determining your blood alcohol concentration (BAC). Hematocrit, a medical measurement that gauges the percentage of red and white blood cells in your bloodstream, can have an effect on test results. Here’s what you should know about the relationship between hematocrit and DUI charges.
Understanding Hematocrit
Red and white blood cells, along with platelets, constitute the solid particles in your bloodstream, whereas plasma is the liquid portion. Everyone’s blood is made up of different amounts of these components. Hematocrit is a way to measure these solid particles as a percentage of total blood volume.
The Role of Hematocrit in BAC
Alcohol is more soluble in water than in solids. Since individuals with higher hematocrit levels have less plasma (the liquid portion of blood), alcohol is more concentrated in their blood. Therefore, two individuals who consume the same amount of alcohol at the same rate could have different measurements of alcohol in their blood, depending on their individual hematocrit levels.
The Impact of Hematocrit on Breath Analysis Tests
Alcohol absorbed in blood passes through lung tissue into the air. The amount of alcohol in the lungs is proportional to the amount of alcohol in the bloodstream, and breath tests measure this alcohol concentration. However, the carbon dioxide in your blood that ultimately gets released during the breath test is significantly influenced by hematocrit levels. People with higher hematocrit levels will have a higher score on a typical breath analysis test because alcohol concentrations will be more significant in their blood.
Understanding Hematocrit Ranges
Hemoatocrit varies from person to person, and generally ranges from 42 to 52 for men (with an average of 47) and 37 to 47 for women (with an average of 42). A variation of about 15% in hematocrit levels is common, indicating that hematocrit can have a significant effect on DUI test results.
Hematocrit Levels as a Possible DUI Defense
If you are charged with DUI, particularly with borderline BAC test results, an adept DUI attorney may use your hematocrit levels as a defense. An experienced Los Angeles DUI lawyer can use hematocrit data when representing you against an unfair charge of DUI. Hematocrit levels’ discussion is complex and should be left to such attorneys.
Getting a DUI charge can have lasting impacts on your life, including loss of driving privileges, fines, and even jail time. In this scenario, trying to mount a defense without an expert Los Angeles DUI lawyer would be unwise. Therefore, the first step you should take if you’re arrested for DUI is to contact a Los Angeles DUI attorney like Todd Spodek, who has the required expertise, knowledge, and experience to give you the possible defense.
| Blood Constituent | Constituent Percentage Range (Men) | Constituent Percentage Range (Women) | Average Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red blood cells | 42-52% | 37-47% | 47% |
| Plasma | 48-58% | 53-63% | 53% |
| White blood cells | 3.8-10.8% | 3.8-10.8% | 7.2% |
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