Testing a wearable device to measure alcohol levels in real-world settings
Official title: Towards a Wearable Alcohol Biosensor: Examining the Accuracy of BAC Estimates From New-Generation Transdermal Technology Using Large-Scale Human Testing and Machine Learning Algorithms
Run by University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign · NCT05692830 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new wearable device that measures alcohol levels in your body to see how accurately it works in everyday situations.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 21 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 240 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Champaign, Illinois) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 22, 2022 |
| Main results expected | August 1, 2026 |
| Study ends | September 1, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | August 6, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT05692830 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 21 and older who consume alcohol at least twice a week.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with psychological or medical conditions contraindicating alcohol consumption or those currently seeking treatment for alcohol use disorder may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study examines the accuracy of a new wearable biosensor that measures transdermal alcohol concentration (TAC) by conducting a combined laboratory and ambulatory assessment over 14 days. Participants will wear the biosensor while also attending three laboratory sessions where they will consume controlled doses of alcohol at varying rates. The goal is to understand the relationship between TAC and breath alcohol concentration (BAC) in diverse real-world contexts. The study utilizes machine learning algorithms to analyze the data collected from participants to improve the accuracy of alcohol level estimations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more accurate and convenient methods for monitoring alcohol consumption, potentially aiding in reducing alcohol-related harm.
How similar studies have gone: While wearable alcohol biosensors are a developing field, this specific approach combining laboratory and real-world assessments is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 21 years or older * drink alcohol at least 2x weekly Exclusion Criteria: * psychological or medical conditions that might contraindicate alcohol-administration * history of adverse reaction to type and amount of beverage used in the study * currently seeking treatment for alcohol use disorder * does not drink alcohol regularly * taking drugs or medications for which alcohol consumption would be contraindicated * women who are pregnant or are attempting to become pregnant
Where it's running
-
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, Illinois, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Catharine Fairbairn, PhD — University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
- Study coordinator: Catharine Fairbairn, PhD
- Email: uiucalcohollab@gmail.com
- Phone: 217-300-5850
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Ketogenic Diet and Alcohol Intoxication: Can ketosis affect brain function and alcohol response
This study tests whether a 4‑week ketogenic diet changes how the brain works and how the body handles alcohol in adults who drink regularly.
-
How alcohol changes the social brain during paired interactions
This study tests whether drinking alcohol changes brain activity and social bonding during conversations between pairs of regular social drinkers aged 21–30.
-
Examining alcohol use in romantic relationships
This study is testing how drinking alcohol affects couples' relationships by having them drink either alcohol or non-alcoholic drinks and then answer questions about their relationship over time.
-
See if stopping alcohol can lower blood pressure and heart risk in adults who drink and have hypertension
This study tests whether abstaining from alcohol for 8 weeks can improve blood pressure and heart-health markers in adults who regularly drink and have high blood pressure.
-
Alcohol, Breast Milk, and Metabolism in Lactating Women
This study tests whether breast tissue locally metabolizes alcohol by comparing alcohol-related markers in blood and breast milk from lactating women after low-level alcohol exposure.
-
Targeting alcohol-opioid co-use among young adults with a new mobile health tool
A mobile health app is being tested to help young adults reduce drinking and opioid use when they occur together.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.