truck-icon-red-banner

Same day local dispatch

australia-icon-red-banner

Australian owned

Breathalysers

1-3 year warranty

breathalyser

Australia's industry specialist

Breath Test At Home: Using A Personal Breathalyser To Conduct One

22 November, 2023

A woman holding a bottle of liquor while in bed

A breath test at home can help a person check their intoxication level after alcohol consumption. Individuals can use a personal breathalyser to measure Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) or the amount of alcohol in their bloodstream. The device is easy to use and does not require a laboratory procedure. To operate it, turn on the unit, wait for the sensors to warm up, and blow a sufficient breath sample. The device then delivers the BAC results within seconds.

An alcohol breath test is one of the most convenient and cost-effective methods of determining the amount of alcohol in the system of a person. A personal breathalyser allows individuals to measure their BAC without going to a clinic or medical professional. In addition, it is portable. Thus, it can be carried around and used whenever needed. This article will present the significance of breath testing at home, using a personal device, and how to interpret the results.

The Importance of Taking a Breath Test at Home

Taking a breath test at home serves several purposes. It allows an individual to check their alcohol level and determine their impairment degree. This is especially crucial for employees in high-risk industries like mining, transportation, and construction. It enables them to check if their sobriety has completely returned after consuming alcohol from the night before.

Moreover, alcohol breath testing ensures an individual does not exceed the legal limits for driving. A personal breathalyser can be an effective deterrent to excessive alcohol consumption and drink driving. This helps to reduce the risks of driving under the influence of alcohol, such as accidents, legal penalties, and fatal crashes.

Many people also use a breathalyser for health or medical purposes. Individuals under rehabilitation can comply with the orders of their doctor and check their BAC levels anytime for progress monitoring. Thus, it can prevent patients with alcohol use disorders from relapsing and ensure their path to recovery is clear. This can help them overcome their addiction and establish accountability faster.

Benefits of Home Testing

  • Individuals can test for alcohol in the comfort or privacy of their own homes.
  • Breath test kits are simple, non-invasive test procedures.
  • Using a breath testing kit is relatively easy compared to other methods, such as urine, oral fluid, and blood tests.
  • Individuals can conduct the test under controlled environments, such as away from smoke or alcohol vapours, which are common in bars.
  • It supports efforts to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
  • It helps prevent the detrimental effects of excessive alcohol consumption.
  • The cost of testing is more affordable, especially for long-term use.
  • It helps comply with alcohol testing policies, such as in the workplace.

A woman using a breathalyser

Using a Personal Breathalyser to Conduct a Breath Test at Home

A personal breathalyser can make a breath test at home easier. The device can detect alcohol in seconds and provide a real-time update of the current intoxication level. It consists of sensors that measure the amount of alcohol molecules in the exhaled breath. Furthermore, the breath testing device is available in different types of sensors.

Most personal units use semiconductor sensors. This technology is inexpensive and is effective in screening for alcohol. Another type is the fuel cell sensor. Fuel cell breathalysers are more specific to ethyl alcohol. It can also detect even low concentrations of ethanol in the breath. Thus, it provides more accurate BAC readings and is less likely to produce false positives.

Breathalysers feature a backlit LCD screen that displays the BAC results. However, some devices with Bluetooth capabilities deliver the readings directly to a smartphone. Additionally, advanced units have an alert feature that gives a warning if the breath test samples exceed the legal limit. Overall, it is a convenient and reliable device for testing the alcohol concentration levels of a person.

How to Operate the Device

Operating a breathalyser is straightforward. Most units feature a one-touch button for easy use. To start the breath test sample collection, simply press the power button and wait for the sensors to warm up. Once ready, the individual blows into the mouthpiece for approximately five to six seconds.

The breathalyser will then analyse the sample and display the BAC reading on the screen or through a smartphone app. This process takes several seconds to a minute. It is advisable to test the breath at intervals when monitoring the increase or decrease of the blood alcohol content.

A person viewing the BAC result from a smartphone

Interpreting the Breathalyser Results of a Breath Test at Home

The breathalyser shows the breath test results in the standard BAC format. The BAC is expressed in percentage, which is equivalent to the volume of alcohol in grams per 100 millilitres of blood. However, some units allow users to change the settings to their preferences. In general, the higher the BAC level, the more severe the impairment.

It is important to note that each person has different tolerance levels. Thus, they respond differently to alcohol. For instance, people with low tolerance tend to feel the intoxicating effects of alcohol quickly, even with small amounts. For many people, a BAC of 0.01 to 0.04% can give euphoric effects and lower inhibitions.

On the other hand, a BAC of 0.05% or higher can result in significant impairment in judgment, perception, reaction time, and coordination. This can pose safety risks, especially in driving. Therefore, it is vital to conduct a breath test at home or anywhere to prevent negative consequences. Moreover, ensure to follow the correct testing guidelines for accurate results. This includes not eating, drinking, smoking, or using breath mints or mouthwashes before the test.

Legal BAC Limits

It is recommended for individuals to check their BAC before driving to prevent accidents or drink driving offences. In Australia, it is illegal to operate a vehicle with a BAC of 0.05% and above. Individuals holding red or green P plates have zero alcohol limit. This means they are not allowed to drive with a minimum alcohol concentration in their system.

Drivers who tested positive during roadside screening are subject to fines, license suspension, prison terms, and an alcohol interlock scheme. Police officers may also require them to give evidential testing at a police station. The penalties depend on the severity of the offence.

Conclusion

A breath test at home can be a convenient and reliable way to monitor the blood alcohol content. Individuals may use a personal breathalyser as a non-invasive way to test the BAC. It utilises different sensor technologies with varying levels of accuracy. In particular, fuel cell breathalysers provide accurate and reliable alcohol readings. It is also the same technology used by police officers in roadside screening. Furthermore, it comes with various features, such as alert systems and Bluetooth capabilities.

Nevertheless, it is important to use the device correctly and adhere to legal BAC limits. Operating the breathalyser is straightforward. It requires a few simple steps, including pressing the power button and waiting for the blow signal. Once ready, blow steadily into the mouthpiece and wait for the results. Finally, understand what each BAC level means and its effects on the body. This can help individuals make responsible and informed decisions.

0
    Shopping Cart
    Your cart is emptyReturn to Shop
      Calculate Shipping
      Shipping options will be updated during checkout.

      Your Perfect Match

      Also Recommended

      Why upgrade?

      Your Perfect Match

      Why upgrade?

      Your Perfect Match

      Why upgrade?

      Your Perfect Match

      Also Recommended

      Why upgrade?

      Your Perfect Match

      Also Recommended

      Why upgrade?

      Your Perfect Match

      Also Recommended

      Why upgrade?

      Your Perfect Match

      Also Recommended

      Why upgrade?

      Your Perfect Match

      Also Recommended

      Why upgrade?

      Your Perfect Match

      Also Recommended

      Why upgrade?

      Is Device Size Important?

      Is Device Size Important?

      Is Device Size Important?

      Driving Restrictions? (P Platers, Zero Tolerance etc)

      Your Perfect Match

      Also Recommended

      Why upgrade?

      Your Perfect Match

      Also Recommended

      Why upgrade?

      Your Perfect Match

      Key Benefits

      Your Perfect Match

      Key Benefits

      A woman holding a bottle of liquor while in bed

      Would you like extra mouthpieces?

      Your Perfect Match

      Why upgrade?

      Your Perfect Match

      Also Recommended

      Why upgrade?

      Your Perfect Match

      Also Recommended

      Why upgrade?

      You may be interested in…

      Thank you for registering your breathalyser.

      Our system will now automatically send you a notification when your calibration is due.

      Your Perfect Match

      Also Recommended

      Why upgrade?

      Are you Testing Employees?