Draeger Breathalyser vs BACtrack Breathalyser: A Comparison Guide

Accurate alcohol breath testing is crucial in being safe no matter what time or place. Nowadays, it is common to see more people check their alcohol levels during or after consumption to avoid drink driving. It is because a high alcohol content impairs the perception and motor functions, affecting the ability to drive safely. In particular, intoxication causes blurry vision, reduced concentration, slower reaction time, and poor coordination. Therefore, it is a significant risk factor in road accidents or car crashes. Consequently, the affordable breath testers make checking the Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) easy. Individuals may use a BACtrack or Draeger breathalyser for personal use. Moreover, their availability helps minimise accidents or drink driving charges. 

Law enforcement conducts breath test procedures to keep roads safer. Police officers may administer alcohol screening if they believe a driver is impaired. For example, drivers who are weaving or zigzagging across the road may be pulled over by the police. They will use a breathalyser to confirm if the driver is intoxicated or not. In addition, if the alcohol content is over the legal limit of 0.05% BAC, the person will be subject to criminal charges and penalties. In line with this, breathalysers can help individuals monitor their BAC and keep below the limit. This article will present information on the breath test options and features of Draeger and BACtrack breathalysers.

Types of BACtrack and Draeger Breathalysers

A breathalyser is a compact testing device people use to measure their BAC. They are accurate and reliable devices that help people make informed decisions before driving or going to work. It provides the actual intoxication level after consumption. However, the accuracy of the device can vary depending on the type of sensor it has. Generally, commercial devices have either semiconductor or fuel cell sensors. The former is less costly, while the latter is more common in professional devices due to its accuracy.

Portable breathalysers were developed due to the rising need to test for intoxication before and while driving. Originally, portable breath analysers were only used by law enforcement officers, leaving individuals to rely on guess estimates or counting the standard drinks to decide if they could drive. Today, various types of breathalysers are available to fulfil different needs, such as workplace, legal, and personal use.

Draeger manufacturers released many products for medical and safety purposes. Founded in Lübeck, Germany, in 1889, the Draeger breathalyser product line includes units for professional and personal use. They also manufacture alcohol interlock devices for individuals under an alcohol interlock program to use. Meanwhile, BACtrack breath testing devices include personal devices in various forms, such as keychains and handheld devices. There are also models for workplace or professional use.

Draeger Breath Testing Products

• The Alcotest 4000 is a Draeger alcohol breath testing device that employs fuel cell sensor technology to give reliable BAC results. The breathalyser shows a four-digit decimal display and an accuracy range of 0.000 to 0.500% BAC. It has data storage of 400 tests and language conversion. Additionally, the device can analyse the breath sample and display the result within 3 to 25 seconds. It also has a recovery time of 20 to 120 seconds to be ready for the next time. 
• Alcotest 3820 also uses fuel cell sensors for accurate readings. It can record test data and can easily be carried around for convenient use. Moreover, it has convenient features, such as removable mouthpieces and user-friendly operation. This product typically requires calibration every 12 months.

BACtrack vs Draeger Breathalysers – Features to Consider

There are several features to consider when selecting a breathalyser to buy. Firstly, the sensor of the device is crucial. Although both are reliable, people seeking professional-grade breath testing equipment should buy a model with fuel cell sensors. This is because fuel cell breathalysers only react to ethanol and require less frequent calibration than units with semiconductor sensors.

Moreover, individuals should consider the testing range of the device. Many BACtrack breathalysers can precisely detect alcohol concentrations of up to 0.400% BAC. The user-friendliness of a breathalyser is another factor to consider. Some individuals or organisations may prefer a device that is highly customisable regarding the blow time, strength, warning limit, and unit of measure. Some may also prefer using a device with smartphone connectivity. This is because it makes checking previous data easier and can offer advanced features like an approximation of time left until sobriety.

Furthermore, users should consider the battery life of their device. Most breathalysers use replaceable batteries. However, the amount of tests per set of batteries varies among devices. For example, the S80 Pro Gen2 uses two AA batteries for up to 1500 tests. Meanwhile, the BACtrack Scout can do up to 1000 tests using a set of AAA batteries. Lastly, the calibration period is another vital consideration when choosing a BACtrack or Draeger breathalyser.

BACtrack vs Draeger Breathalysers for Workplace Use

High-risk industries implement zero-alcohol policies to maintain a risk-free environment. Consistent alcohol testing is crucial to detect impairment and prevent workplace accidents. A cost-efficient method to detect alcohol use or impairment is through reliable workplace devices like BACtrack or Draeger breathalyser.

Breathalysers Australia offers the BACtrack S80 Pro Gen2 and Mobile Pro Gen2 as highly effective and reliable workplace devices. The BACtrack Gen2 breathalysers have enlarged industrial-grade fuel cell sensors specifically engineered for commercial testing environments. The portability and accuracy of the device enable employers to conduct frequent alcohol tests to help manage safety risks. Moreover, the Mobile Gen2 is ideal for remote workplace testing or a remote compliance tool. The breathalyser can send the BAC test data to a mobile app. 

Draeger presents the Alcotest 6820, 5000, and 6000 breathalysers for professional use. Particularly, the Alcotest 5000 is suitable as an alcohol screening device to detect if alcohol is present or not. However, it does not display the actual BAC value. Meanwhile, the Alcotest 6820 and 6000 breathalysers have print options and data readout via PC. The devices can perform up to 1,500 tests from a single battery. They also have a test data storage of up to 5000 applications. Choosing a reliable breathalyser for the workplace will depend on the specific needs of the tester. Therefore, either a Draeger or BACtrack breathalyser can significantly improve workplace safety.

Conclusion

Using breathalysers for personal or workplace safety is now more prevalent. Firstly, it helps individuals minimise the negative effects of excessive consumption and impairment. Also, it prevents drink driving and accidents either through personal use or by law enforcement in random breath testing. Lastly, it helps avoid legal charges. A BACtrack or Draeger breathalyser can also help people become more aware of how alcohol affects their bodies. Regularly checking the BAC helps in keeping the alcohol consumption moderate.

Moreover, breathalysers eliminate relying on guesses or personal estimates of the capability to drive safely. Within seconds of providing a breath sample, the tester will know the actual BAC value right away. Individuals or organisations interested in BACtrack devices, like S80 Pro Gen 2, may select some here at Breathalysers Australia to begin conducting fast, efficient and reliable alcohol breath tests. Breathalysers Australia offers full recalibration after-sales services for all BACtrack units sold.