Ethanol Level vs. Blood Alcohol Content (BAC): Understanding the Difference

Ethanol level refers to the amount of ethanol in blood or breath. BAC specifically quantifies ethanol concentration in the bloodstream. After alcohol consumption, ethanol is absorbed via stomach and small intestine, metabolized by the liver, and the remainder circulates. Legal intoxication limits (e.g., 0.08% in the US) are based on BAC, measured via breathalyzer, blood, or saliva tests. The terms are related but not interchangeable.