An alcohol tester (a breath-alcohol analyser) is designed to measure the alcohol content in the air a person breathes out. To get a sample, the subject blows into a special hole in the device. The sensor measures the alcohol concentration and the result is displayed on the screen.
Alcohol testers: 9 key facts
- These devices can be used for self-testing before getting behind the wheel. They are also used by police to test for alcohol intoxication. In factories and safety-critical environments, they are sometimes used to test employees for sobriety. There are also specialised devices, such as those designed for testing large groups of people.
- Professional instruments are more accurate and efficient; they are accurate to 0.01 ppm and capable of taking approximately 250 air samples a day.
- The most common type is the electrochemical (fuel cell) kind. It has a quick response, high sensitivity to ethanol vapour, and stable operation in hot and cold weather.
- Infrared sensors are highly accurate but take a long time to process the data. They are sensitive to ambient temperature, and so are mainly used in labs.
- Personal breathalysers need calibrating every two months while professional ones need to be calibrated at least once a year. Calibration is performed by special service centres.
- If the instrument is designed with a mouthpiece, this has to be changed after every test. It is recommended to use only components that are compatible with the particular model.
- To get accurate results, tests should be taken at least 20 minutes after smoking, eating, or drinking alcohol. The person being tested should exhale steadily and deeply.
- To keep the sensor working properly, you should prevent cigarette smoke or liquids from getting into the opening.
- High-tech devices give a warning if the subject provides an insufficient sample; an accurate test is only possible when there is sufficient amount of exhaled air. Mouthpieces with a non-return valve serve the same function.
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