So you do an alcohol test on someone with an Alco-Sensor FST and the result is .046.   Is that a high or low result?  How intoxicated is the individual?  How many drinks have they had?  The following table presents the significance of different intoxication levels.  

 

Result              Intoxication Level 

.00                  No alcohol present

.001-.009       Possible trace of alcohol; 

                       considered the same as .00

.01                  Very low alcohol level, less than intoxication from 

                        one drink.

.02                   Low alcohol level, about one drink*

.04                   Mild intoxication, about two drinks

.05                   Moderate intoxication, about two drinks

.08                   Moderate intoxication, about three to five drinks

.10                   Moderate to significant intoxication, about five to

                        eight drinks

.16                   Significant intoxication, about ten or more drinks

.30                   Severe intoxication, about 15 or more drinks.  

                        May result in unconsciousness, may need medical

                        attention.

.40-.50           Alcohol poisoning, may result in death              

    

Click here for an expanded view of this chart 

 

*Note that the number of drinks required to reach a specific intoxication level is approximate.  Factors such as gender, body size, rate of drinking, time, and food intake have very significant impact on intoxication levels.  For more information about the factors affecting intoxication we offer theBAC Wheel and our Alcohol Pharmacology video.