FAA Office of Aerospace Medicine
Civil Aerospace Medical Institute

Report No: DOT/FAA/AM-07/22

Title and Subtitle: Postmortem Ethanol Testing Procedures Available to Accident Investigators

Report Date: August 2007

Authors: Canfield DV, Brink JD, Johnson, RD, Lewis, RJ, Dubowski, KM

Abstract: An ethanol positive fatal case reported as being from ingestion was ultimately determined to be from postmortem ethanol production using the ratio of two serotonin metabolites found in urine.

This case involved a transportation accident that could have resulted in additional hardships for the victim�s family through loss of compensation and reputation.

Key Words: Forensic Science, Toxicology, Medical, Postmortem

No. of Pages: 8