A Review on the BACtrack Element Breathalyzer

The BACtrack Element breathalyzer is the most affordable professional-grade fuel cell breathalyzer on the market. The device delivers high accuracy and is equipped with electrochemical fuel cell sensors while being portable and easy to use. These features make it ideal for individual uses and companies looking to implement testing policies. Furthermore, breathalyzers, similar to the ones used by law enforcement to conduct roadside testing, can be helpful safeguards for health when used appropriately. 

This article will cover the BACtrack element breathalyzer, how it acquires a BAC reading, its features, and how to use them. Unfortunately, excessive alcohol consumption remains a significant health issue in Australia. Additionally, many who habitually consume alcohol do so in unhealthy amounts. This excessive consumption increases the risk of health problems and incidents on the road and in the workplace. Thankfully breathalyzers allow users to monitor their alcohol consumption and keep themselves and others safe from its dangers. 

BACtrack Element Breathalyzer – How does it work?

A breathalyzer or a breath checker is a device that analyses a breath sample to determine a person’s Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC). It isn’t easy to read BAC precisely without the right device. This is because each individual has a different tolerance to alcohol. Furthermore, many factors affect BAC levels. For instance, a person’s weight, gender, body type, age, food intake and medications affect how the body absorbs alcohol. As a result, no two people will have the same BAC.

Fuel cell breath checkers such as the BACtrack element breathalyzer use advanced sensor technology to measure a person’s BAC with a breath sample. These fuel cell sensors perform more accurately than the standard semiconductor breath checker. It does this by using an electrochemical process to oxidize alcohol. This oxidation produces a small electrical current relative to alcohol content and converts its value to BAC. Appropriately the higher the BAC, the higher the level of intoxication. 

In addition, fuel cell breathalyzers like the BACtrack Element Breathalyzer only respond to ethanol in the blood. As a result, it provides fewer false positive results. This is especially useful for those on low-calorie diets or who have diabetes. This highly accurate sensor is the main reason the element is ideal for personal and professional use. It is suitable for anyone looking to monitor their health better, from the average person to employers to even law enforcement officers. 

The Advantages of a Personal Breathalyzer

• To check the BAC before working, helpful especially for those in safety-critical industries
• As a precautionary tool to avoid accidents
• To monitor the rise and decline of BAC
• To minimize severe impairment from high intoxication
• To keep from exceeding the legal alcohol limit for driving
• To avoid accidents on the road and in the workplace

BACtrack Element Breathalyzer – Key Features

An effective breathalyzer can give reliable BAC results to help users monitor and improve their health and safety. There are many features to consider when deciding on a breathalyzer to get. Modern breathalyzers at present are built to be automated ad portable. This allows its use on the go and in the workplace. As previously stated, effective breathalyzers come with fuel cell sensors for pro-grade accuracy, similar to the breath testers used by law enforcement in roadside screenings. 

A good breathalyzer, whether for personal or professional use, will have accurate sensors, be easy to use, have a comprehensive recalibration service, and meet the standards and guidelines for an effective breath screening device. However, unlike other BACtrack devices, the BACtrack Element Breathalyzer does not have Bluetooth or smartphone connectivity, so it may not be helpful for higher volume testing or monitoring one’s alcohol consumption over time. 

However, the BACtrack Element Breathalyzer is still adequate for a quick BAC reading. Allowing for convenient one-button operation for quick and accurate results. Testing can be done in seconds, with a clear result readily displayed on its LED screen. In addition, the BACtrack element includes a padded carrying case, a pair of triple A batteries, and a pack of replaceable nozzles. Also included are instructions for future recalibration, which is necessary to maintain the device’s accuracy. 

Core Features

• Xtend Fuel Sensor – A police-grade sensor trusted by law enforcement and hospitals for consistency and accuracy
• One touch operation 
• Clear LCD Display
• DOT Tested and Compliant
• Effective breath capture system for efficient and precise testing
• Comes with extra mouthpieces to be able to share the device sanitarily

BACtrack Element Breathalyzer – How to Use

Using a breathalyzer like the BACtrack element is simple. Most BACtrack breathalyzers are designed with simple one-button operation for a quick test. However, there are some precautions to keep in mind for an effective and accurate breath test. This subsection will go over them briefly. First, before conducting an alcohol breath test, the user should wait at least 15 to 20 minutes after the last drink and meal. This includes mouthwash and similar alcohol-based products.

Next, users should avoid running a breath test in places that are too enclosed or with strong wind. Another precaution to take is that users should not blow smoke or spit into the device’s mouthpiece to avoid damaging and contaminating the fuel cell sensors. Moreover, a breathalyzer should be kept outside of extreme temperatures and out of reach of children to avoid tampering or damage. Lastly, a breathalyzer must be recalibrated regularly to maintain sensor accuracy and avoid false positives.

Another thing to note is that a personal breath checker like the BACtrack element breathalyzer should not be used as an excuse to drink and drive. Quite the opposite, a breathalyzer should be a health monitor to avoid excessive consumption, intoxication and all its risks and hazards. Furthermore, a breathalyzer can also help dispute traffic stops, as BAC may fluctuate throughout the night. A handy breathalyzer can be used as evidence to dispute ambiguous road situations regarding alcohol consumption.

Usage Guide

1. Attach the provided mouthpiece to the device
2. Attach the triple-A batteries to their corresponding slot
3. Power on the breathalyzer device
4. Wait for 5-10 seconds for the device to warm up
5. Blow air into the device’s mouthpiece for a deep lung air sample 
6. Wait for the device to measure the sample and provide the result

Conclusion

The BACtrack element breathalyzer is best for habitual consumers of alcohol looking to monitor their consumption habits better and keep themselves healthy and safe. In addition, consistent BAC monitoring helps keep people from exceeding the legal limit for driving and avoiding penalties and fees. The BACtrack element is also helpful for smaller-scale companies looking for low-volume testing to keep their workplace sober and safe. Furthermore, it is the most affordable fuel cell-based breathalyzer available. 

Although practical, the BACtrack Element breathalyzer is not suited for high-volume usage. Some companies require consistent and accurate BAC results for workforces that may number in the thousands. Hence they might be better off purchasing higher-end pro-grade breathalyzers that can keep testing records. In addition, a Bluetooth-based device may better serve people looking for long-term monitoring of their alcohol consumption habits. In conclusion, the BACtrack element breathalyzer is affordable, but its effectiveness might differ according to testing needs.