Alcohol Test Devices

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     There are a number of different devices used to test if someone has been drinking alcohol, how much they have been drinking and whether or not they are in trouble for doing so. These devices are used by law enforcement officials to stop drinking and driving on the roads, as well as businesses that are trying to see which of their employees are drinking on the job.

   Pocket Breathalizers

   • Breathalizers are electronic devices that can determine whether someone has been drinking alcohol simply by them blowing into a straw. These devices come in a number of shapes and sizes. The newer models have been made smaller so people or law enforcement can carry them in their pockets or in police cruisers and test drivers they suspect are driving while intoxicated. All of these devices use a 9-volt battery and utilize fuel cell technology, registering the BAC or Blood Alcohol Content, on a digital screen after the person blows into a plastic straw. However, due to their small size, they are more likely to malfunction or give inaccurate readings.

   Alcohol Analyzers

   • These larger portable alcohol analyzers provide all the equipment necessary for someone to give an accurate alcohol test just about anywhere. Not only is there a breathalizer, there is also a printer and hard drive for long-term storage of past tests and the ability to print out specific readings from tests. Negative readings show up in five to 10 seconds while positive tests often take 20 to 45 seconds. These devices must be charged regularly after they have been used but provide a useful tool for those doing alcohol tests in remote locations or on the road, as police officers may have to do.

   Desktop Alcohol Analyzers

   • These desktop alcohol analyzers meet all state and federal requirements for people driving over the legal limit or being tested for the alcohol content in their blood. However, these devices are large and bulky and are often left at the police station, as they cannot be transported due to their size and need for source power. These systems utilize electrochemical sensors and infrared detectors, giving exact readings of a person’s BAC in a very short amount of time. These analyzers are also most commonly used in businesses that test their employees for alcohol consumption, due to their accuracy.