So, by measuring alcohol concentration when a person exhales, a breathalyzer can provide a relatively accurate BAC number.Ī budget breathalyzer will probably cost less than $20 and may be disposable or fit on a keychain. The concentration of alcohol in the lungs closely matches its concentration in the bloodstream.Alcohol molecules add a distinctive odor to the breath. This is why you can often tell whether someone has been drinking by the smell of their breath. The molecules eventually reach the lungs and are expelled as the person exhales.The blood then carries these molecules throughout the body. Alcohol molecules do not change during this absorption process. Alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream from the stomach, intestines, and mouth.Why it worksĪ breathalyzer works because of the way the body processes alcohol. Unlike an active unit, a passive breathalyzer could potentially suffer contamination from the outside air. The unit measures the concentration of alcohol in your breath. To use a passive breathalyzer, place your mouth within an inch of the mouthpiece and blow across it. Breathalyzers at mid-range and upper-range prices often use an active measurement system. By placing your mouth directly over the mouthpiece, you ensure no outside air contamination occurs. To use an active breathalyzer, you must exhale into a plastic mouthpiece. These units indicate whether someone has been drinking alcohol, but their accuracy is not dependable. They’re designed for one-time use and then must be thrown away. You may have seen these cheap breathalyzers in liquor stores. These devices are small and may even fit on a keychain, but they typically aren’t as accurate as fuel cell units and may need recalibration more often than other designs. Semiconductor oxide sensor unitsĪ personal breathalyzer with a semiconductor oxide sensor is considered a basic unit. In a fuel cell breathalyzer, the unit measures the concentration of alcohol molecules in the user’s breath. Shop Now Breathalyzer types Fuel cell sensor unitsįuel cell sensor units typically cost more than other breathalyzers but provide the most accurate readings in a personal breathalyzer and require occasional recalibration. ![]() And many, such as our top pick, the BACtrack S80 Professional Breathalyzer, are approved by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the U.S. However, with that said, most are accurate. Some breathalyzers have advanced features that tell you whether you can drive.Ī breathalyzer shouldn’t be used as anything more than a guide to help you make wise decisions when you’re out drinking. Within seconds, you’ll have a blood alcohol content (BAC) reading. To use most breathalyzers, you press a button and blow into the device. However, unlike those, a consumer breathalyzer can be self-administered. Breathalyzers are similar to the devices used by law enforcement when they pull someone over for suspected intoxication. This little device can determine your blood alcohol concentration and provide insight into how intoxicated you are. That’s where a breathalyzer can be a lifesaver. The problem is, alcohol impairs judgment and makes it challenging for a person to determine how drunk they might be. However, if the drinks start flowing, being responsible and not getting behind the wheel is imperative for obvious reasons. Going out on the town with friends is an excellent way to spend an evening.
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