Effect of Ethanol-Containing Oral Antiseptic Sprays and Gargles on Breath Alcohol Measurements: A Single-Center, Prospective, Observational Crossover Study
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Introduction Ethanol-containing oral antiseptic sprays and gargles are commonly used for oral hygiene and medical purposes. However, their potential effect on breath alcohol concentration (BrAC) measurements remains a concern, particularly in forensic and legal contexts. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of these antiseptic products on BrAC over time and to determine the appropriate waiting time before breath alcohol testing.Methods A single-center, prospective, observational crossover study was conducted with 25 healthy volunteers. Each participant used four different antiseptic products (Andorex Spray®, Andorex Gargle®, Tantum Verde Spray®, and Tantum Verde Gargle®) on separate days under identical conditions. BrAC was measured using a Dräger 6820 breathalyzer® at five time points: pre-application (Tref), immediately after application (T0), 3rd minute (T3), 5th minute (T5), 10th minute (T10), and 15th minute (T15) in cases where BrAC was still above zero at T10. Data were analyzed using paired t-tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, and chi-square tests where applicable.Results In our study of 25 volunteers, all had a BrAC of zero at baseline (Tref). After using ethanol-containing oral antiseptics, BrAC levels peaked at T0, with the highest measurable value being 4.94 mg/L, far exceeding legal limits. BrAC values declined over time, with all volunteers reaching zero by T15. No significant differences were observed between alcohol users and non-users or between smokers and non-smokers at most time points, except for a single measurement in the Spray 1 group at T3 and T5, which was not considered clinically relevant.Conclusion Ethanol-containing antiseptic sprays and gargles can cause transient increases in BrAC, potentially leading to false-positive breathalyzer results in legal and forensic settings. Our findings suggest that breath alcohol measurements should not be conducted within 15 minutes of using these products to avoid misleading results. Conversely, individuals with persistently high BrAC levels beyond 15 minutes cannot attribute their readings to recent antiseptic use. Awareness of this effect is crucial in interpreting breath alcohol tests, and confirmatory blood alcohol testing should be considered when recent antiseptic use is suspected.
Source: Sanatorium Medical Journal
Language: English
Subfield: Toxicology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7159812263
FWCI:
Cites:
Cited by:
Related to: