Abstract
Forensic toxicologists routinely perform pharmacokinetic calculations for alcohol, such as retrograde extrapolation calculations that rely on assumptions about when alcohol absorption is complete. However, examination of current practice reveals a uniformity in applying standardised timing assumptions despite well-documented individual variation in alcohol pharmacokinetics. This paper highlights factors that can influence alcohol absorption and cause the absorption of alcohol to extend beyond the conventional 2-hour timeframe since the last drink. Various physiological conditions, including the presence of food, certain medications, medical conditions and other factors, can prolong alcohol absorption beyond 2 hours. Toxicologists performing pharmacokinetic calculations for alcohol should disclose that population averages regarding the absorption of alcohol may not apply to individual cases.