What is BACtrack Skyn and How to Use it
19 May, 2022
Wearable technology or wearables are electronic devices worn as accessories mainly known to track, analyse, and transmit personal data. For example, smartwatches and fitness trackers are popular wearables designed for monitoring heart rate, step counts, or calories burned. Additionally, it can exchange data via the Internet or Bluetooth to a mobile device or database. A smart new way to monitor blood alcohol levels is also available through a wearable device called the BACtrack Skyn. It is the world’s first wearable alcohol monitor that passively tracks your alcohol content and gives real-time updates.
What is the BACtrack Skyn
The BACtrack Skyn is a wrist-worn gadget that measures alcohol coming from the skin to estimate the Blood Alcohol Content (BAC). To understand how the BACtrack Skyn works, we must first know how alcohol affects the body. When we consume alcohol, they pass through the small intestines and the bloodstream. Then the bloodstream carries alcohol molecules to different body organs, where they stay for a definite period. Particularly, alcohol vaporises in the lungs, where portions exit through exhalation. Devices from Breathalysers New Zealand can efficiently measure the BAC through an exhaled breath. Similarly, alcohol enters the sweat glands, where the skin absorbs them.
The BACtrack Skyn works by tracking the Transdermal Alcohol Content (TAC) through the sweat on the wrist. The BACtrack’s proprietary algorithm gathers and calculates the TAC data and converts it to the BAC. For instance, the BACtrack Skyn will send continuous BAC updates as you consume alcohol. Therefore, the smart band gives a BAC update when there is a significant change in the alcohol level. This innovative tracking feature enables you to efficiently monitor your BAC to keep from exceeding the legal limit. Many people check their BAC to ascertain they can drive legally. As a result, you can make informed decisions. Once you check your BAC level, you can decide if it is time to slow down drinking or stop altogether.
Key Features of the BACtrack Skyn
BACtrack specialises in sensor technologies to accurately measure a person’s alcohol concentration. The BACtrack breathalysers use advanced fuel cell sensors to precisely estimate the BAC. The technology is what law enforcement, hospitals, and workplaces trust to determine a person’s impairment and manage safety hazards. Like the pro-grade breathalysers such as the S80 Pro, the BACtrack Skyn utilise fuel cell technology to evaluate the TAC. Moreover, the Skyn incorporates the following features:
- Biosensor – The BACtrack’s proprietary sensing technology traces ethyl alcohol exiting through the skin every 20 seconds.
- Versatile wrist band – The BACtrack Skyn can be used as a standalone wearable or an interchangeable smart band for Apple Watch.
- Battery Life – The gadget has a low power requirement and can be worn continuously for days. It can last up to 10 days on a single charge.
- Smartphone connectivity – The device pairs with the iPhone via Bluetooth for efficient alcohol monitoring.
- Water-resistant – The BACtrack Skyn is fine with a few splashes of water. However, do not wear it in a shower or submerge it in water.
Operating the BACtrack Skyn
The BACtrack Skyn is a simple alcohol monitoring device that is quick and easy to use. Unlike breath tests, the TAC measurement is ongoing and updates without needing to blow into a device. To monitor the alcohol level, simply wear the BACtrack Skyn on your wrist to measure the alcohol content secreted through the skin. You may operate the Skyn in a few steps:
- Turn the device on. A blue LED light will flash on as it connects to the Skyn app.
- Wear the BACtrack Skyn with the sensing box on the palm-side of your wrist.
- After pairing the device to the app, it will transmit real-time TAC every 20 seconds. You can view your alcohol level in a chart through the iPhone or iPad.
- Once Skyn has gathered enough TAC data, the BACtrack will estimate the BAC range. It will also update when it detects a significant change in the TAC. For example, if you consume alcohol, causing your blood alcohol level to increase rapidly.
Benefits of Alcohol Monitors
Monitoring the alcohol content is vital to keeping yourself safe and healthy. Excessive alcohol intake severely impairs cognitive and motor functions. Specifically, it causes blurry vision, impaired hearing, poor balance, uncoordinated movements, and slow reaction time. It also leads to poor judgment or decision-making. As a result, it poses safety risks in driving or operating machinery. Furthermore, alcohol is a leading factor in accidents or fatalities on the road and in workplaces. Therefore, implementing an alcohol limit is critical to minimising the negative impacts of alcohol. The BACtrack Skyn and alcohol testers from Breathalysers New Zealand can accurately measure the BAC to help make informed decisions. Additionally, many people use a BACtrack breathalyser to moderate their alcohol consumption.
The BACtrack Skyn and breathalysers are non-invasive and efficient ways to determine the intoxication or impairment level. They are incredibly portable and discreet, making them easy to carry and use anywhere. In addition, alcohol tends to increase the BAC within a few minutes. Monitoring the BAC level helps limit the intake and keep intoxication to a minimum. Moreover, checking the BAC helps avoid accidents or drink driving. The BACtrack Skyn determines the change in your alcohol content by giving real-time feedback. Therefore, you can make informed health and safety decisions on the spot. Lastly, alcohol testers are valuable in monitoring the BAC in workplaces to minimise occupational risks. High-risk industries have a zero-tolerance policy to reduce accidents and costs. Likewise, it also helps people undergoing rehabilitation reestablish accountability.
Devices from Breathalysers New Zealand
Currently, the BACtrack Skyn app is only compatible with iOS gadgets. The Skyn interchangeable band fully integrates with the Apple Watch health tools. Thus, combining alcohol tracking with fitness or health apps provides enormous well-being benefits. Alternatively, you may also use the effective devices from Breathalysers New Zealand to determine your BAC. BNZ offers a comprehensive range of BACtrack alcohol breath testers for personal or professional use. Most BACtrack breathalysers at BNZ use fuel cell sensors for pro-grade accuracy. Fuel cell sensors are the industry’s standards for accurate breath tests. Furthermore, fuel cell breathalysers are specific to ethyl alcohol, reducing the likelihood of producing false-positive results.
Breathalysers New Zealand offers affordable keychain alcohol testers for quick alcohol screening needs. You may also select the breathalysers with smartphone connectivity, such as the BACtrack C6, C8, and Mobile Pro. The breathalysers pair with the BACtrack companion app to access your BAC data directly from your mobile phone. Additionally, the BACtrack app is compatible with most iOS and Android devices. Furthermore, the BACtrack’s professional series are excellent choices if you rely on accuracy. The BACtrack S80, Trace Pro, Mobile Pro, and Scout employ enlarged fuel cell sensors to measure the BAC accurately. You may inquire about the BACtrack Skyn or purchase pro-grade breathalysers at Breathalysers New Zealand.