As shown in Figure 1, 68% of male (n = 44,456) and 73% of female (n = 13,083) suicide decedents were tested for blood alcohol concentration. BAC positivity (BAC+) refers to the presence of alcohol versus its absence (BAC negative). The BAC was first coded as a continuous measure in terms of weight by volume and then classified as any detectable BAC (BAC+) versus none. Decedents were further classified into those with a BAC of ≥ 0.08 g/dl (the legal limit for driving in all U.S. states) and those with a BAC of < 0.08 g/dl. Percent of decedents who underwent autopsy in each participating NVDRS states appears in Appendix 1.
