What makes a breathalyzer

Why Test? Types of Devices: Breathalyzer " ". A system to sample the breath of the suspect Two glass vials containing the chemical reaction mixture A system of photocells connected to a meter to measure the color change associated with the chemical reaction.

The sulfuric acid removes the alcohol from the air into a liquid solution. The alcohol reacts with potassium dichromate to produce: chromium sulfate potassium sulfate acetic acid water. The Chemistry of Alcohol. Read More. Types of Devices: Intoxilyzer " ". A lamp generates a broadband multiple-wavelength IR beam. The broadband IR beam passes through the sample chamber and is focused by a lens onto a spinning filter wheel. The filter wheel contains narrow band filters specific for the wavelengths of the bonds in ethanol.

The light passing through each filter is detected by the photocell, where it is converted to an electrical pulse. The electrical pulse is relayed to the microprocessor , which interprets the pulses and calculates the BAC based on the absorption of infrared light. Oxidation of Alcohol. Breathalyzers FAQs How long after drinking can you pass a breathalyzer test? This depends entirely on your metabolism. Some digest and pass alcohol faster while some are slow.

In general, breathalyzers can detect alcohol in a person's system 15 minutes after consumption and about 12 to 18 hours later. How do breathalyzers detect alcohol? Since alcohol is a volatile substance it evaporates at room temperature its fumes start mixing with your breath. The more concentrated it is, the more of these fumes enter the blood stream.

Of course, when air with these fumes is exhaled, breathalyzers can detect it. How accurate is a breathalyzer? Modern breathalyzers are fairly accurate, but they're not perfect.

They do have a margin of error, as any device can, and can be off as much as. What do breathalyzer numbers mean? The numbers are the measure of your blood alcohol concentration BAC. Most drivers would be wise to say no when asked to blow into a tube while standing beside their car or truck. Preparations like Anbesol for tooth and gum pain, as well as over-the-counter liquids like Robitussin and Nyquil, can cause people to blow false positives.

Other ingredients besides alcohol can cause drowsiness, which can be interpreted as drunkenness. Devices used to test BAC must be service regularly and carefully adjusted to the conditions in which they are used. Portable handheld breath-test kits also expire. A false reading would then lead to an unjustified arrest and an unwarranted charge.

One key factor is calibration. If the officer sets the machine incorrectly, he or she may arrest multiple people without trustworthy evidence. Remember that the portable Breathalyzer is a machine that needs regular maintenance and upkeep to maintain its effectiveness. Without routine calibration, officers could make arrests that cannot be backed up in court, often inconveniencing innocent citizens.

A trained Ohio DUI lawyer will understand the science behind the portable Breathalyzer test and know what types of calibration questions to ask. If you suspect you were arrested because of a poorly calibrated portable Breathalyzer test, contact a DUI lawyer to fight for your rights.

People who suffer from diabetes often experience a buildup of excess acetone in their bodies. Yes, this is the same chemical in nail polish remover, and it is easily detected by a breath-testing device. Some devices cannot clearly distinguish acetone from alcohol. Some medications interfere may cause of a false positive Breathalyzer test. Any medication that is applied inside the mouth may contain alcohol that could alter the accuracy of the test.

If you use Anbesol to relieve the toothache or canker sore pain, you may blow a false positive on a portable Breathalyzer test. The machine will detect the medication rather than your blood alcohol and you could face the inconvenience of arrest and an impounded vehicle.

Be very careful in the winter as many of the treatments for cold and flu symptoms contain alcohol that may cause a false positive Breathalyzer test. A breathalyzer should be carefully maintained and re-calibrated frequently. If the police do not keep up-to-date with the calibration schedule, there is a higher probability of a false reading. As well, the device needs to be calibrated for the situation. For instance, most breath screening devices are sensitive to temperature. Failing to adjust the device for the temperature can result in a false reading.

The device has to fall under a list of accepted devices. Some widely used breathalyzers have been deemed too inaccurate to rely on in Ontario courts. Without the proper administration of alcohol screening tests, police cannot accurately gauge BAC. A breathalyzer operates under the assumption that the breath is coming from deep in the lungs, so if there is alcohol in the mouth it will display a higher blood alcohol concentration. To prevent mouth alcohol from causing a false positive, the officer is supposed to keep you under observation for minutes before administering the test.

Even a small amount of alcohol in the mouth or throat can severely impact results. Additionally, burping, vomiting, and acid reflux reset the clock on administering a test. These can move alcohol from the stomach into the mouth, causing the same mouth alcohol issue. So, after an instance of burping or vomiting officers are supposed to wait another 15 minutes before testing.

If you face charges for driving under the influence, contact a Toronto DUI attorney as soon as possible. If they fail to do so, then these elements are easily challenged in many DUI cases. Police officers should be properly trained in the use of Breathalyzer devices in order to ensure that they are appropriately administered.

For example, these devices often need to be calibrated prior to use. An inexperienced officer may fail to properly calibrate or otherwise ready the device before administering a Breathalyzer test during a traffic stop.

This improper administration of the test may render results that are simply incorrect. As these many examples illustrate, Breathalyzer test results can be affected by a wide variety of factors, ranging from environmental factors to medications, from consumption of certain products to operator error. The documented lack of accuracy in Breathalyzer test results can be an integral part of a strong defense to DUI charges.

Given the many different circumstances that can affect a BAC reading taken from a Breathalyzer test, there are many alternatives available for challenging the test results. These challenges can lead to grounds to negotiate a lesser charge or penalty, or even to the dismissal of charges in some cases. Contact the Wilson Law Firm and speak with attorney T.

We will fight hard for your rights. Kevin Wilson. Read this book and avoid common mistakes that could hurt your case.