BACtrack T60 Personal Breathalyzer: What are The Alternatives?

The BACtrack T60 personal breathalyzer is a portable device for measuring Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) in the system. It easily tests for the presence of alcohol and determines a person’s intoxication level. In addition, several alternatives are available, like the BACtrack Go, C6, and Scout from Breathalysers New Zealand. They are compact-sized, making them easy to use anywhere. Moreover, each device has different features and capabilities, giving individuals more testing options.

Alcohol impairment is a significant health and safety issue. Excessive consumption may lead to severe impairment, including vision, judgement, and coordination. Consequently, these pose risks in driving and operating heavy equipment. Having an alcohol monitoring device helps individuals manage their alcohol intake. It can help prevent drink driving and other risks. In this article, we will explore the functions of BACtrack T60, some alternative personal breathalyzers, and how to use them.

Review on BACtrack T60 Personal Breathalyzer

The BACtrack T60 personal breathalyzer is a portable device for measuring BAC in the system. It utilises MicroCheck semiconductor technology to estimate alcohol levels. It works by undergoing oxidising alcohol in the breath to produce a redox reaction. This creates an electrical charge, which is converted into the corresponding BAC level. Thus, it enables individuals to get fast and reliable results within seconds.

The device has a fold-out mouthpiece that helps protect the sensors when not in use. This prevents airborne gases from entering the device. Additionally, it has a one-touch button for easy operation. To use the device, press the power button to begin breath testing in seconds. It has a mini LCD screen that displays the BAC results.

The BACtrack T60 is suitable for low-volume use or alcohol screening. Individuals who want to check their alcohol level before driving may use this device. Likewise, some people may use it to check on family members if they have consumed alcohol, regardless of the amount.

Uses and Benefits of Personal Breathalyzers

• A non-invasive way of estimating the BAC. It can be used almost anywhere.
• It provides immediate results.
• It is easy and ready to use in seconds. Breathalyzers do not require further laboratory analysis.
• Manage alcohol consumption and prevent the BAC from reaching the legal limit.
• It is reliable and eliminates guesswork, which can be misleading. Hence, it deters drink driving, getting legal charges, and road accidents.
• Confirm sobriety before work.
• Minimise safety hazards while operating machinery in the workplace.
• Promote better alcohol awareness and healthier habits.
• Help understand how different types of alcoholic beverages affect the body.

Alternatives of BACtrack T60 Personal Breathalyzer

The availability of the BACtrack T60 personal breathalyzer may be limited in some locations. Fortunately, there are suitable alternatives in New Zealand for this device. The BACtrack Go Keychain is one of the smallest alcohol testers in the market. It also features MicroCheck technology and a fold-out mouthpiece for reliable breath testing.

The second option to go for is the BACtrack C6. It is a compact device that utilises fuel cell sensors. This technology provides more accurate readings with more specificity to ethanol than other compounds. Moreover, it is Bluetooth-capable and connects with the user’s smartphone. Thus, it provides flexibility in viewing the BAC results and innovative functions, including tracking and sobriety monitoring.

For those who want the simplicity of the BACtrack T60 but need more robust testing, the BACtrack Scout is ideal. This breathalyzer offers advanced fuel cell technology that measures alcohol levels with high accuracy. It is the same sensor type used in roadside alcohol screening. Furthermore, it has a long battery life that can get up to 1,000 tests.

Advantages of Fuel Cell Breathalyzers

Fuel cell breathalyzers have police-grade accuracy, providing more reliable results. The sensor is specific to ethanol and is not reactive to endogenous substances like acetone. Thus, it is unlikely to produce false positives, especially for people with diabetes or a low-carbohydrate diet. Additionally, it has a shorter response time.

The fuel cell sensors are more stable and less prone to degradation. It can provide consistent readings in repeat testing. Moreover, it requires less frequent maintenance or recalibration than semiconductor breathalyzers. Overall, they are suitable for applications where fast and accurate results are paramount. Many personal breathalyzers are available with fuel cell technology.

How to Operate the BACtrack T60 Personal Breathalyzer and Other Devices

The BACtrack T60 personal breathalyzer and other BACtrack devices are simple and easy to operate. They have a one-touch operation that enables breath testing immediately. First, turn on the device and wait for the ready signal. Then, open the mouthpiece and blow into it steadily until the beeping sound stops. The screen will display the BAC results within 10 to 15 seconds.

For smartphone breathalyzers like the BACtrack C6, users will have the option to choose between the App mode and the Standalone mode. Choosing the App mode allows individuals to view their BAC results from their smartphones. Likewise, it estimates how long the BAC will return to 0% through the app.

To ensure accurate results, waiting 15 to 20 minutes after eating, drinking, or smoking before taking a breath test is essential. This allows alcohol to reach the lungs and eliminates high alcohol residue in the mouth. Furthermore, use a new mouthpiece and avoid sharing the same mouthpiece with another person.

Breathalyzer Maintenance

All breathalyzer sensors drift over time, especially with regular use and exposure to external factors. This may affect the accuracy and produce false readings. Hence, it is necessary to recalibrate the device periodically to maintain sensor performance. It requires sending the unit back to the manufacturer or service centre.

It is recommended to check the recalibration frequency of the device before buying. Only trained technicians can perform this process. Furthermore, do not attempt to open the device, as it may risk damage. Lastly, the BACtrack devices bought at Breathalysers NZ include instructions on how to send the device for recalibration.

Conclusion

The BACtrack T60 personal breathalyzer provides reliable readings for alcohol levels in the system. It is suitable for people who want to check their BAC or monitor alcohol consumption in the family. Alternatives are also available, including the BACtrack Go Keychain, BACtrack C6 Smartphone, and BACtrack Scout. The BACtrack Go uses the same advanced MicroCheck sensor technology but is more lighter. On the other hand, the BACtrack C6 and Scout utilise a fuel cell sensor, which gives more precise readings.

Operating a breathalyzer is straightforward. To use the device, press the power button and give a long, steady blow at the signal. The device will display the BAC results within 10 to 15 seconds. This enables individuals to monitor their consumption and alcohol levels more effectively. As a result, it helps avoid drink driving, getting legal charges, accidents, and other safety risks.