Researchers will look into whether a blood test could be used to determine whether a person has recently been drinking heavily.

An Indiana University researcher has received a $1.15 million Department of Defense grant to conduct a study.  Doctor Suthat Liangpunsakul said such a test is needed in instances when alcohol consumption is relevant to current health problems, including when a patient is being considered for a liver transplant, which requires alcohol abstinence.

“We know that the amount of alcohol consumed is almost always under-reported in patients' conversations with their physician," said Dr. Liangpunsakul.

In the three-year study, the researchers will ask 250 patients how much alcohol has been consumed within the past month, using a survey that has been shown in other research as providing valid results. The period of a month was selected because it’s relevant to clinical practice, Dr. Liangpunsakul said. Moreover, memory generally is considered much less reliable as the questions go back further in time, he said.