Alcohol Tester: The Best Breathalyser Range in the Market
12 March, 2024
With the rise in awareness about the dangers of drink driving, having an alcohol tester or breathalyser is essential. These devices are tools that measure the amount of alcohol in the bloodstream. This helps to know if a person is legally intoxicated to drive. Therefore, getting the best breathalyser is important to ensure accuracy of results. It comes with various types and features, each catering to different needs. Breathalysers range from personal handheld devices to professional-grade units.
Excessive alcohol consumption poses serious risks to individuals and others on the road. It can severely impair cognition, judgment, reaction time, and coordination, increasing the risk of accidents. That is why investing in a reliable portable breath tester is vital to minimise those hazards. This article will present the functions of the device, where to buy a breathalyser and the best breathalyser ranges in the market.
Jump to a Section:
- What Is an Alcohol Tester?
- Where to Buy the Best Alcohol Testers in Australia
- Personal Range Alcohol Tester – BACtrack Trace Pro Gen2
- Personal Range Alcohol Tester – BACtrack Mobile Pro Gen2
- Personal Range Alcohol Tester – BACtrack Scout
- Personal Range Alcohol Tester – BACtrack C8 Smartphone
- Personal Range Alcohol Tester – BACtrack C6 Smartphone
- Personal Range Alcohol Tester – BACtrack Go Keychain
- Workplace Range Alcohol Tester – BACtrack S80 Pro Gen2
- Workplace Range Alcohol Tester – SHIELD Express Touch & Identity
What Is an Alcohol Tester?
An alcohol tester is a portable, battery-operated device that measures the amount of alcohol in the bloodstream, called the Blood Alcohol Concentration level (BAC level). The BAC indicates the level of intoxication of a person. Thus, the higher the BAC, the more severe the impairment. It works by detecting ethanol molecules in the exhaled breath and converting the reaction output into a digital reading of the blood alcohol content.
Breathalysers come in various forms, such as personal handheld devices and professional-grade units. They are essential tools for individuals, law enforcement, workplaces, and healthcare professionals to accurately measure alcohol levels and determine if a person is fit to drive or perform tasks safely.
Moreover, these devices utilise sensor technology to provide accurate readings and are easy to use. The two main types are semiconductors and fuel cell sensors. Each type has different levels of accuracy. Some breath alcohol testing equipment also comes with additional features such as Bluetooth connectivity and data storage capabilities.
Benefits of Breathalysers
- Promoting responsible drinking by monitoring blood alcohol levels to prevent them from reaching a dangerous level.
- Ensuring safety on the road. It helps deter driving under the influence of alcohol, preventing accidents and other related risks.
- It gives peace of mind to the individual and family members.
- The portability of breathalysers makes alcohol consumption monitoring easier and more efficient. Individuals can conduct a breath test anytime.
- Enhancing safety in workplaces. Employers use a professional alcohol breath tester to monitor employees who may be impaired while on the job.
- Monitoring alcohol intake in treatment programs for alcohol use disorders.
Where to Buy the Best Alcohol Testers in Australia
There are multiple places where people can buy portable breath alcohol testers in Australia. Firstly, they are available both in-store and online. Individuals can purchase one from major retailers like department stores and electronic stores. Some specialised safety stores may also carry a range of breathalysers. Additionally, medical supply stores also offer breathalysers for health monitoring purposes.
The second option is to buy online. There are many online retailers that offer breathalysers of various types and styles. Buying online also provides the advantage of comparing prices and features from different websites. One of the reputable online stores is Breathalysers Australia. It offers a comprehensive range of BACtrack breathalysers for personal and professional uses and the exclusive SHIELD Express device for workplace use.
Before buying an alcohol breathalyser, it is important to take a look at its features. Look for a device that provides high levels of accuracy, quick response times, and easy-to-read displays. For example, check the detection range of the alcohol sensor. Typically, advanced devices can accurately measure the alcohol concentration level between 0.00 to 0.400% BAC range.
Australia-Wide Shipping
Most online stores in Australia offer nationwide shipping. However, it is still important to confirm the shipping details and cost before making a purchase. Some retailers offer free shipping on orders over a certain amount. Additionally, it is recommended to check the return policy in case of an issue with the device.
Breathalysers Australia ships to all states and territories with minimum delivery times. Moreover, buyers can choose between three shipping options, depending on their preferred costs. All breath alcohol testing devices from Breathalysers Australia have a 12-month warranty. This covers the manufacturer’s defect but not the mistreatment of the product.
Personal Range Alcohol Tester – BACtrack Trace Pro Gen2
One popular option in the personal range of portable alcohol testers is the BACtrack Trace Pro Gen2. This compact device has a sleek design that offers professional-grade accuracy, making it an ideal choice for individuals looking to monitor their BAC levels with precision. The device is Australian Standards (AS3547), DOT, and FDA compliant, meeting all federal requirements for a breath screening device.
The BACtrack Trace Pro Gen2 features a fuel cell sensor, which is known for its high accuracy and reliability in measuring alcohol levels. It has a detection range from 0.000 to 0.400% BAC, providing accurate results within seconds of the breath sample being taken. The device also has a clear LCD screen that shows the BAC level in easy-to-read numbers.
Another great aspect of the breathalyser is its capacity to save the last ten readings for easy reference. This is particularly helpful for those who need to monitor the changes to their BAC during alcohol consumption. Furthermore, it has a low-power requirement, lasting up to 1,000 tests from one set of AAA batteries.
Ideal Applications
The BACtrack Trace Pro Gen2 is excellent for personal use applications with professional quality. The memory recall function of the device can help individuals monitor their intake and prevent their BAC from reaching the legal limit. This helps them avoid the consequences of drink driving, such as accidents or legal charges.
Another application is for individuals who are moderating their drinking habits or complying with sobriety requirements. It allows them to determine how different types of alcohol affect them and the rate of their BAC increase within a period of time. By having access to this information, individuals can make informed decisions.
Personal Range Alcohol Tester – BACtrack Mobile Pro Gen2
The BACtrack Mobile Pro Gen2 is an innovative alcohol tester with smartphone connectivity. The device uses fuel cell sensor technology (Grade 10), which provides a more stabilised result on top of accurate readings. The modified sensor is more stable, specifically in the lower range of 0.00 to 0.05% BAC.
One of the key features of the BACtrack Mobile Pro is its smartphone connectivity. It is Bluetooth-capable, allowing users to sync their BAC results to their mobile phones. By using the BACtrack companion app, users can track their BAC levels over time. This enables them to see their alcohol consumption patterns in a graph.
The BACtrack app also features the ZeroLine technology. This function can quickly estimate when the BAC levels will return to 0.00% from the last drink. The app also allows individuals to make notes with each BAC result. This personalisation feature can help users remember specific details about their drinking session, such as the type of alcohol consumed. Lastly, it utilises a rechargeable battery for longer battery life and less battery replacement hassle.
Ideal Applications
- Monitor alcohol consumption while at social events or gatherings.
- Track the BAC before driving to ensure safe and legal levels.
- View the drinking habits or patterns through the app and aid in making lifestyle changes or modifications.
- Regular checking of the BAC in rehabilitation or treatment centres is necessary to ensure compliance with the program.
- Document alcohol intake for personal health and wellness reasons.
- Check the BAC to ensure full sobriety before working.
- Use the companion app to integrate with Apple Health tools. This is beneficial in providing a comprehensive view of overall health and wellness data in relation to alcohol drinking.
Personal Range Alcohol Tester – BACtrack Scout
The BACtrack Scout is another reliable and portable alcohol tester from Breathalysers Australia. It is the most affordable alcohol detector of BACtrack with Xtend fuel cell sensors. Thus, it can provide precise BAC results at an affordable price. Additionally, the device features a one-button operation and a straightforward LCD screen display. The unit has a slim design, making it easy and convenient for on-the-go testing.
The breathalyser is DOT-compliant and FDA-approved, enhancing its reliability when it comes to alcohol breath testing. Another advantage of the BACtrack Scout is its easy-to-use interface. Individuals can quickly and easily provide a breath sample and receive their BAC reading in seconds.
One of the key features of the BACtrack Scout is its test counter. It records the number of tests taken, which can help individuals track the time until the next recalibration date. This means that people will not miss the deadline for recalibration, ensuring the accuracy of the device. Moreover, the BACtrack Scout has a wide testing range from 0.000 to 0.400% BAC, making it suitable for a variety of users.
Ideal Applications
The BACtrack Scout is ideal for individuals who require a high level of accuracy in breath testing without investing in a high-end device. It is perfect for personal alcohol monitoring to ensure safe levels before driving or operating machinery. Also, the Xtend fuel cell sensor of the device is applicable to professional settings. This technology is the same in healthcare and law enforcement agencies.
Furthermore, the breathalyser is well-suited for social gatherings that serve alcoholic drinks. Hosts may offer the use of the device to promote safe drinking and responsible driving. Nevertheless, it is essential to use new mouthpieces when sharing the device with others.
Personal Range Alcohol Tester – BACtrack C8 Smartphone
Another type of smartphone alcohol tester is the BACtrack C8. The device utilises a Blufire enlarged fuel cell sensor to deliver accuracy with the added advantage of dual-mode operation. Unlike Mobile Pro, C8 has optional Bluetooth connectivity. Users can choose where to view their results. Individuals may choose between Standalone mode, which allows them to read the BAC result directly on the bright OLED screen.
The other type of operation is the App mode. The breathalyser uses Bluetooth technology to connect with the smartphone app. After providing the breath sample, the device automatically delivers the BAC reading on the smartphone screen. Users can also store the previous results on the app for easy reference and monitoring.
In addition, users can also monitor their sobriety directly on the device through the patented ZeroLine technology. It also has results storage through the app. Individuals can recall their previous tests and see the rate of their BAC increase. Overall, the portable design and reliable sensors of the BACtrack C8 breathalyser are valuable tools for accurate monitoring and promoting safety no matter where.
Ideal Applications
The BACtrack C8 has diverse applications due to its wide range of features. Mainly, it is ideal for personal use. They are perfect for individuals who want a reliable device for estimating their BAC. The smartphone app also helps individuals book an Uber ride when they have too much to drink.
Overall, the breath alcohol device is excellent for BAC testing and convenient tracking. It prioritises accuracy with its enlarged fuel cell sensor and flexibility through dual-mode operations. Hence, people who want to see a general overview of long-term alcohol consumption habits may choose the BACtrack C8.
Personal Range Alcohol Tester – BACtrack C6 Smartphone
The BACtrack C6 smartphone is the most affordable personal range alcohol tester with a fuel cell sensor. It utilises a smaller version of the advanced BluFire fuel cell sensor for accurate readings at an economical price. The breathalyser also has a dual-mode operation to choose where to access the BAC information.
This breathalyser seamlessly pairs with a smartphone via Bluetooth. Furthermore, the BACtrack app is free to download and compatible with iOS, Android, and Google devices. To operate the smartphone breathalyser, users simply need to turn on the device, choose between Standalone and App mode, and blow into the mouthpiece. The device will instantly process the breath sample and display the results on the LCD screen or smartphone.
The BACtrack C6 also offers a quick estimation of sobriety through the ZeroLine technology. However, this feature is only available through the app. Nevertheless, it still provides enhanced convenience and efficiency when it comes to alcohol testing. This compact device can deliver several benefits at a cost-effective price.
Ideal Applications
- Personal use for individuals looking for a budget-friendly option to test breath alcohol concentrations with high accuracy.
- Efficient monitoring of the BAC levels at social gatherings or other events.
- Consumers can write notes and add images in the app to help determine the factors that affect their BAC.
- Ensuring the alcohol levels are within a safe limit before driving. Individuals can choose to wait until their BAC is at a safe level.
- Providing data to guide conversations about responsible drinking.
- Making informed decisions by showing how long to wait before the BAC level returns to 0.00%.
- Tracking the level of risk drinking through the app.
Personal Range Alcohol Tester – BACtrack Go Keychain
The BACtrack Go Keychain is the smallest and sleekest alcohol tester for personal use. This device used the advanced MicroCheck sensor to detect alcohol in the breath quickly. Despite its compact size, this keychain breathalyser features a reliable semiconductor sensor that provides accurate alcohol readings. Moreover, the proprietary sensing technology and specially tuned algorithm deliver the most reliable results for its price.
One of the key features of the BACtrack Go is the foldaway mouthpiece. This minimises external contaminants like dust, dirt, and moisture from affecting the accuracy of the sensors when not in use. Additionally, the keychain design makes it easy to carry around, ensuring individuals have access to their BAC information whenever they need it.
BACtrack Go also features a bright blue, easy-to-read LCD display and an error indicator. The device alerts users if the blow is not consistent enough. To use the device, simply flip out the mouthpiece, turn on the device, and exhale steadily for a few seconds. The results will be available within 10-15 seconds.
Ideal Applications
The BACtrack Go is ideal for individuals who want to try breathalysers for the first time. Its affordable price makes it accessible to a wide range of users who need quick alcohol checks before driving. Likewise, this device is suitable for light to moderate uses.
Individuals may also use the BACtrack Go to screen for alcohol or simply detect if alcohol is present in the system. For instance, parents may use it to test their children if they have been consuming alcohol. Overall, it is perfect for carrying around on keychains or in pockets to have ready access to BAC testing.
Workplace Range Alcohol Tester – BACtrack S80 Pro Gen2
For workplace testing, the BACtrack S80 Pro Gen2 is a suitable device. This professional alcohol tester features the enlarged Xtend fuel cell sensor that provides police-grade accuracy. This sensor is highly specific to ethanol and is not reactive to endogenous substances in the breath, such as acetone or ketone. In addition, it is appropriate for moderate volume usage.
The S80 Pro offers the most advanced features among the professional range of BACtrack breathalysers. One of these features is the continuous temperature checking to ensure the consistency of breath samples. Moreover, it has enhanced linear response to provide increased accuracy over the complete range of alcohol concentrations expected in the breath. It can measure traces of alcohol up to 0.400% BAC without losing its precision.
Another useful feature is the adjustable settings to suit individual or organisational testing needs. It also has an extended battery life, allowing approximately 1,500 tests before replacement. This is crucial in workplace settings where multiple employees need to be tested. Lastly, the BACtrack S80 Pro is FDA, DOT, and AS3547 compliant.
Ideal Applications
The BACtrack S80 Pro meets the AS3547 requirements for breath alcohol screening. This means it can deliver reliable results in workplace settings where the level of accuracy is high. The portability of the breathalyser is also ideal for random employee testing. Employers can test their workers anytime to ensure an alcohol-free environment and compliance with alcohol policies.
Another application of the S80 Pro is for law enforcement. The device provides accurate BAC readings that are comparable with police breathalyser units. Individuals who are willing to invest in a more advanced device may get the S80 Pro for personal use.
Workplace Range Alcohol Tester – SHIELD Express Touch & Identity
The SHIELD Express Touch and SHIELD Express Identity are state-of-the-art alcohol testers. It is specifically designed for workplace testing or high-volume use. These devices utilise platinum electrochemical fuel cell sensors, the same advanced technology used in roadside alcohol screening. Furthermore, they feature colour touchscreen technology for unprecedented speed and easy navigation.
These workplace breathalysers allow active and passive testing. Firstly, employers may use the passive mode to screen for alcohol. This mode shows a Pass/Fail result if alcohol is present or not. If alcohol is detected, employers switch to active mode to measure the BAC. This process enables cost-effective operation because of the lesser need to use mouthpieces.
The main difference between the two breathalysers is photo verification. SHIELD Express Identity connects to an app to take photos while the subject is performing the test. On the other hand, SHIELD Express Touch do not have this feature. Additionally, they also boast a huge internal memory that can store thousands of test results. Other key features are GPS and data management for downloading employee records.
Ideal Applications
- Professional breathalysers are ideal for maximum compliance for commercial testing. They are suitable for high-volume use.
- Ensuring workplace safety by detecting alcohol impairment and preventing alcohol-related accidents.
- Routine testing for employees before allowing them to operate heavy machinery, drive company vehicles, or enter safety-sensitive premises.
- Implementing random testing or reasonable suspicion testing to identify employees who may be working under the influence of alcohol.
- Screening job candidates before hiring to ensure they do not have a history of alcohol abuse.
- Ensuring compliance with laws and regulations for a specific industry.
- Monitoring patients under a rehabilitation program.
Conclusion
Alcohol testers are essential tools for monitoring alcohol consumption. They are portable devices that detect alcohol in the breath and measure the BAC level. There are many types of devices, and the most common ones are semiconductors and fuel cell breathalysers. Semiconductor breath testers are generally more affordable and suitable for personal use, while fuel cell breathalysers are more accurate and often used in workplace settings or law enforcement.
When choosing a breathalyser, it is important to consider the accuracy, reliability, and ease of use. These factors can help make breath testing more efficient and reliable according to particular needs. Moreover, they are available online at various retailers and are shipped nationwide. Individuals may visit Breathalysers Australia to select from a comprehensive range of devices. The BACtrack breathalysers are available for personal and professional use. Lastly, the SHIELD Express Touch and Identity are ideal for high-volume testing environments.