A breath testing machine, also known as a breathalyser, is a widely used device that can determine if an individual is under the influence of alcohol. It works by analysing the breath sample using its sensors and then showing the Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) result on its screen. There are several types available, such as professional-grade breathalysers with highly accurate sensors, keychain breathalysers, smartphone breathalysers, and evidential breathalysers. These can provide reliable results for various purposes.

Alcohol abuse is a widespread issue in society. It can cause several impairments that endanger the individual and those around them. It is particularly dangerous if a person drives while intoxicated since they can cause road accidents. To combat dangerous driving, law enforcement officers conduct random roadside breath tests. Many companies in various industries also implement workplace testing for safety. This article will present information on breathalysers, how they work, and the different types.

What are Breath Testing Machines?

A breath testing machine is a device that measures the blood alcohol content levels of individuals. It is a portable device that can have several features to facilitate efficient and reliable testing. An evidential breath tester is commonly utilised by law enforcement to identify drink driving. People can also use personal breathalysers.

To use a breath alcohol device, the user must power the device on and wait for it to warm up. Once it signals that it is ready, the person must take a deep breath and continuously blow into the mouthpiece to provide sufficient samples. Typically, the results will appear in a few seconds, indicating the numerical value of the BAC on the screen.

Breath testers are available in physical and online stores. Individuals may check their local supermarkets, department stores, or specialty shops for a device. Many also purchase breathalysers online since this method offers convenience and wider selections. Moreover, it is easier to compare prices among different retailers to get the best price.

History of Breath Testers

• In 1931, Rolla N. Harger developed the first stable alcohol breath-testing product, which she called the drunkometer. It relied on qualitative analysis to produce colour changes upon contact with alcohol.
• In 1958, Robert Frank Borkenstein created the modern breath alcohol testing products. These were portable and handheld, making it ideal for law enforcement officers to use.
• At some time in 1974, Tom Parry Jones invented the first fuel cell sensors for portable breath alcohol sensors.
• More researchers developed various types of breath alcohol testing equipment. Examples include coin-operated machines, wall-mounted devices and small devices comparable to keychains.

How Breath Testing Machines Work

A breath testing machine analyses the breath sample of an individual to measure the concentration of alcohol present. It works by creating chemical reactions in the device using accurate sensors that can detect alcohol molecules in the breath. Generally, there are two types that people can buy for personal use. These are semiconductor and fuel cell sensors.

Semiconductor alcohol breathalysers have a tin oxide compound that produces an electric current upon contact with ethyl alcohol. This type of breath-testing equipment is typically more affordable because the materials are less expensive. Nevertheless, they can still provide accurate readings while increasing the accessibility to alcohol testing.

Meanwhile, breath testers with fuel cell technology have platinum electrodes for analysing the sample of breath. The electrodes create a chemical reaction upon contact with ethanol, producing electrical currents that correspond to the blood alcohol levels. This type is typically more expensive but can have longer life spans than semiconductor sensors. Moreover, they can serve as professional-grade breath alcohol testing instruments.

Purpose of Breath Testers

The main purpose of breathalysers is to provide users with accurate blood alcohol level measurements. This can be beneficial in various settings. For police officers, a breath alcohol testing device enables them to identify drivers who are under the influence of alcohol and charge them appropriately.

Meanwhile, many companies also use workplace breath alcohol testers to ensure environmental safety. This helps them to prevent accidents that can harm employees and the general public. Lastly, people can use personal breath-testing devices to monitor their alcohol consumption for their health. They can also use them to ensure they are sober before attempting to drive.

Types of Breath Testing Machines

There are several types of breath testing machines available for people to use. Firstly, police officers and authorities use evidential breath testers to provide accurate results that can be used for legal purposes. These devices are highly accurate and reliable, making them essential tools for ensuring public safety on the roads.

Meanwhile, personal breath testers are smaller, portable devices that individuals can use to monitor their alcohol consumption. These devices are convenient for personal use and can help individuals make informed decisions about their alcohol intake. Some examples of this include keychain devices and smartphone-compatible breath testers. They can also have several features that suit the needs of the individual. In particular, some smartphone breathalysers connect to applications that record and analyse their breath test data.

Furthermore, workplace breath alcohol testers are optimised for high-volume testing. Similar to evidential devices, these typically have electrochemical fuel cell sensors. They may also have active and passive modes that can be useful for workplace testing programs. They can handle high-volume testing while maintaining accuracy.

Accuracy of Breath Testers

The accuracy of a breath alcohol testing instrument mainly depends on the sensors it has. Generally, semiconductor sensors are less accurate compared to electrochemical fuel cell sensors. This is because the latter only detects ethanol. It is also less likely to be influenced by environmental factors.

To maintain an accurate breathalyser, regular calibration of the sensors is crucial. Recalibration ensures that the device is providing accurate and reliable readings. It is recommended to recalibrate personal breath-testing machines at least once a year or after a certain number of uses, depending on the guidelines of the manufacturer.

Conclusion

A breath testing machine is a device that many use to measure the BAC levels of an individual. It can help people monitor their alcohol intake. It also aids employers and law enforcement officers to identify intoxicated workers and drivers and prevent them from causing accidents due to alcohol impairment. The device uses alcohol sensors to detect ethanol in the breath sample, with different types of sensors offering varying levels of accuracy. The results show on the screen.

There are various types of breathalysers available for people to choose from. There are workplace and evidential breath testers for legal purposes. Individuals can also buy personal breathalysers for convenient use. Personal devices can be traditional handheld devices, smartphone breathalysers, or keychain breath testers. They can provide accurate results, especially with regular calibration. Those searching for breath testers may consider the BACtrack and SHIELD breathalysers here at Breathalysers Australia.