Breathalyzer Chemist Warehouse vs BACtrack – Comparison Guide
21 September, 2023
Consumers may get a breathalyzer at Chemist Warehouse or BACtrack to help manage their alcohol intake. Breathalyzers are portable devices that measure Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) or level of intoxication. Individuals may check online or drug stores like Chemist Warehouse to get inexpensive, reliable alcohol testers. The types of devices may range from personal to professional kinds. On the other hand, BACtrack offers a wide range of products, such as keychains, smartphones, and workplace breathalyzers.
Drink driving is a common problem in many countries. It poses significant risks to public safety. It can result in serious legal consequences. With a breathalyzer, you can easily estimate your BAC and make an informed decision before getting behind the wheel. However, it needs careful consideration in choosing a device. In this article, we will compare the types of breath testers at Chemist Warehouse and BACtrack by reviewing their accuracy and cost-effectiveness.
Breathalyzers at Chemist Warehouse vs BACtrack – Accuracy
Ensuring the accuracy of breathalyzers is essential towards making informed decisions regarding alcohol consumption. Many individuals rely on the portable device to determine whether they can legally drive or not. In looking for breathalyzers at Chemist Warehouse, the selections can include disposable breath alcohol tests or reusable devices. Thus, the reliability varies according to the type of device.
The accuracy of breathalyzers depends on the types of sensors. Many personal units use metal oxide sensors to measure the BAC. On the other hand, law enforcement and workplaces use platinum fuel cell sensors. It is typically more expensive due to their high precision. However, there are also many personal devices that use fuel cell sensors at an affordable price.
The BACtrack breathalyzers from Breathalysers Australia offer professional-grade devices for personal use. These convenient tools use fuel cell sensors to deliver accurate BAC readings. Moreover, the BACtrack professional line has a wide detection range of 0.000 to 0.400%. This entails that it can trace breath alcohol concentrations from low to high levels without losing their precision.
Types of Sensor Technology
- Semiconductor sensor: the device uses a metal oxide semiconductor to detect alcohol molecules in a person’s breath. When alcohol comes into contact with the sensor, it causes a change in electrical resistance.
- Fuel cell sensor: the breathalyzer uses platinum electrodes that undergo a chemical reaction. The sensors produce an electric current based on the alcohol concentration, which is converted into the BAC value.
- Infrared sensor: the sensor uses infrared light to analyse the alcohol in the breath sample. The molecules absorb specific wavelengths of light, determining the blood alcohol content. It is the technology found in evidentiary devices in police stations.
Breathalyzers at Chemist Warehouse vs BACtrack – Convenience and Ease of Use
When choosing a breathalyzer at Chemist Warehouse or BACtrack, convenience and ease of use are two factors to consider. Breathalyzers come in various shapes and features, impacting the efficiency of breath testing. For example, a disposable breath tester from Chemist Warehouse is a single-use device. It requires no batteries, calibration, or maintenance. After use, you can dispose of the device properly.
On the other hand, the BACtrack breathalyzers are reusable with user-friendly features. It has a one-touch button for easy operation. By pressing the power button, you can use the device immediately to measure the breath alcohol content. Likewise, it gives the results in percentage. Therefore, you can determine the exact BAC levels without the risk of misinterpreting the results.
Furthermore, BACtrack offers innovative tracking through smartphone breathalyzers. These breath testing devices have Bluetooth capability to connect to iOS or Android phones. Thus, you can view the results directly from a smartphone app, allowing you to save your results. Overall, these devices provide reliable breath alcohol data, fast results, and convenient monitoring.
How to Operate a Breath Analyser
Operating a breath analyser is relatively easy compared to other testing methods like urine or blood. The procedure depends on the type of device and its features. To use a breathalyser, press the power button and wait for the alcohol sensors to warm up. At the start signal, blow steadily to the mouthpiece for five seconds or longer.
The device will automatically analyse the breath sample and display the BAC results on the screen or the app. The process only takes a few seconds to complete. Some devices have an audible warning if the BAC level has reached the legal limit.
Breathalyzers at Chemist Warehouse vs BACtrack – Cost Effectiveness
Another factor to consider when choosing a breathalyzer at Chemist Warehouse or BACtrack is cost-effectiveness. Breathalyzers vary in price depending on their features or technology. Lower-priced units enable individuals to check their BAC levels without spending a lot of money. However, it may impact the accuracy of the test results.
Moreover, investing in advanced sensor technology increases the effectiveness of the device. This allows for multiple tests while maintaining consistency and stability. It also minimises the likelihood of false readings. Therefore, it is more suitable for high-volume or frequent use. Although professional-grade devices may cost more, they are a reasonable investment if you need accurate breath analysis.
The cost-effectiveness of professional-grade devices like BACtrack lies in its long-term durability and precision. Hence, this can aid individuals in making informed decisions and potentially the costly legal consequences of impaired driving. Lastly, maintaining regular recalibration is vital to maintain its longevity. The process cleans and resets the device to restore optimal working conditions.
Usage Guidelines
For accurate results, it is crucial to wait at least 20 minutes after consuming alcohol before taking a breath test. This is because residual alcohol in the mouth can interfere with the accuracy of the reading. Waiting allows alcohol to dissipate in the mouth and the body to absorb alcohol in the bloodstream.
Additionally, ensure that you use fresh or fully charged batteries. Weak batteries may not perform as well and cause inaccurate results. Also, remember to use a new mouthpiece and clean it afterwards to prevent contamination. Make sure to use a calibrated device and take the test in a smoke-free room.
Conclusion
The breathalyzers at Chemist Warehouse and BACtrack can offer you reliable devices for your alcohol testing needs. There are various types of devices, including semiconductors and fuel cell breathalyzers. Moreover, some have innovative features, such as smartphone connectivity via Bluetooth. These features influence accuracy, convenience, and efficiency of use. For example, BACtrack has a one-touch operation for easy use. Thus, they vary in costs and performance. Using advanced sensors can help attain accurate breath analysis.
Operating a breath analyser is easy. It involves powering the device and providing a sufficient breath sample. The breathalyzer examines the breath and displays the BAC within seconds. The fast response times of the device give real-time updates of the alcohol concentration levels. Therefore, it can aid in making smart decisions regarding alcohol consumption and driving. Furthermore, it is vital to follow the usage and maintenance guidelines to preserve the accuracy and durability of the breathalyzer.