Can You Fight Blood Test Results?

North Carolina law treats DWI related crimes seriously. A conviction could make your life much harder than it needs to be. It is therefore important to understand the tools an officer may use when checking your blood alcohol content (BAC) level. Today, we will take a look at blood tests.

The National Institutes of Health has researched blood alcohol test accuracy. This data was then compared to breath test accuracy. These tests both have known weaknesses. However, officers can compensate for these failings with quick action. They can also use several tests together to improve accuracy. Blood tests are particularly accurate. But that does not mean they are infallible.

For example, the health of an individual can affect the results. Someone with diabetes or high ketones will have higher readings. If you are taking cough or cold medication, it can also impact your BAC levels.

Samples are also not immune from human error. Lab technicians must handle your blood properly after drawing it. Blood left out for too long can coagulate and show a high result. Some cases have even shown that busy lab techs accidentally switch samples or results. Contamination of blood samples is not impossible, either.

Finally, blood tests are more complex than breath tests. It takes longer to draw blood the right way than it does to get someone to breathe into a tube. The longer a test takes, the higher a person’s BAC level will read. It is possible for someone’s BAC level to be higher at the time of testing than at the time they were driving.