If you’re scheduled for a blood test, you might wonder, “How long does alcohol stay in your system for a blood test?” On average, alcohol can be detected in the blood for up to 12 hours after your last drink.
How Long Does Alcohol Stay in Your System – Blood Test
Blood tests measure blood alcohol concentration (BAC) and are considered highly accurate, especially in medical or legal situations. BAC depends on how much and how quickly you drank, as well as your weight, age, sex, and liver health.
For most people, the liver breaks down about 0.015 BAC per hour, which equals roughly one standard drink per hour. If your BAC was 0.08% (the legal limit in many places), it would take about 5–6 hours to return to 0%.
see more: How Long Does Alcohol Stay in Your System for a Breathalyzer Test?
It’s a myth that coffee, cold showers, or exercise can speed up alcohol elimination. Only time helps. So if you’re undergoing a blood test and want alcohol completely out of your system, plan ahead and allow your body time to metabolize it.