Two people can consume the same amount of alcoholic beverages but still feel different after. It is because alcohol affects individuals differently. Many people think that intoxication depends only on the number of standard drinks consumed, but that is partially true. The truth is, the alcohol level or the blood alcohol content (BAC) determines the degree of intoxication. The BAC is the percentage of alcohol in the bloodstream or the breath. With that in mind, many people ask: what is BAC measured in breathalysers?
The BAC level is the weight of alcohol per unit of blood volume. Alcohol testers such as BACtrack breathalysers are devices that measure the BAC level of a person through the breath. The device analyses the breath sample through its sensors and can calculate the BAC within seconds. What is BAC measured in through breathalysers? The standard unit of BAC is the weight of alcohol in grams per 100ml of blood or 210 litres of breath. For example, a 0.08% BAC indicates 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood. In Australia, the legal alcohol limit for driving is 0.05% BAC. Alcohol intoxication at 0.05% BAC impairs your senses, perception, and motor functions necessary for safe driving. Your vision narrows, reaction time and reflexes slow down, and coordination decreases the higher your BAC level is.
What is BAC Measured in and What can Affect BAC Readings?
Many factors are affecting your BAC. The weight, age, gender, body fat distribution, alcohol tolerance, and metabolism rate contribute to your degree of intoxication. Therefore, it is unlikely that two people consuming the same alcohol amount will have the same BAC level. To prevent roadside accidents, police officers do routine BAC check-ups on drivers. Law enforcers can pull you out for roadside screening if they suspect you of impaired driving. Police will get your BAC by asking for your breath sample through a police breathalyser. What is BAC measured in a police breathalyser? Law enforcement use pro-grade fuel cell breathalysers. These devices use fuel cell sensors which is the sensor technology with the highest accuracy. Furthermore, if you present with a BAC of 0.05% or more, you will face legal charges.
What is BAC measured in personal devices? Personal devices like BACtrack breathalysers now use fuel cell sensors. These are the same type of sensors you would find in a police officer’s breathalyser. Therefore, BAC readings can be the same in personal devices as in professional machines. Every time you consume alcohol, it is essential that you monitor your BAC through a breathalyser. Moreover, BACtrack personal breathalysers can measure your BAC within seconds (10-15 seconds for the results). Additionally, these personal devices can also estimate when your alcohol level will return to 0.00%.
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