Best Breathalyzer To Buy: Features To Search For

Breathalyzers have become an essential tool in ensuring safety, especially on the road and at work. They help prevent drink driving, which can have serious consequences. A breathalyzer is a portable device that examines the breath to measure Blood Alcohol Content (BAC). There are many types available in the market. Hence, determining the best breathalyzer to buy takes careful consideration. It is vital to consider the accuracy level and ease of use in looking for a device.

A person under the influence of alcohol poses significant safety hazards. It increases the risk of accidents due to impaired judgment and reflexes. Therefore, many people rely on a personal breathalyzer to help monitor their alcohol consumption. This helps in preventing their blood alcohol levels from exceeding the legal limit for driving. The following sections will present the key features to look at, including sensor accuracy, range of measurements, and convenience.

Best Breathalyzer To Buy – Maximum Accuracy And Consistent Readings

Choosing the best breathalyzer to buy entails going for maximum accuracy and consistent readings. Many people use the device to check their BAC levels before driving. Hence, it helps them make responsible decisions based on the results. Inaccurate readings may lead to misinformed judgment. Moreover, breath testers rely on sensors to measure the BAC.

The performance of the sensors helps in giving precise and reliable results. However, not all alcohol sensors are the same. Breathalyzers differ in their types, which affects the level of accuracy. Professional-grade breathalyzers use advanced technology that gives stable and consistent results. This means the breath alcohol content does not fluctuate in back-to-back tests.

Professional breathalyzers that law enforcement, workplaces, and hospitals use must be certified by relevant authorities. These devices met the rigorous standards of expert alcohol screeners to ensure they give the most accurate readings. This is critical in making informed decisions, affecting everyone’s safety and well-being. It must also undergo regular maintenance to uphold its performance and reliability.

Types Of Sensors

• Fuel cell sensor: it relies on a chemical reaction process to oxidise alcohol in the breath. They are less prone to interference from other substances, such as acetone, mouthwash, or breath mints in the breath.
• Semiconductor sensor: measures the BAC by measuring the changes in the electrical resistance. The greater the difference, the higher the BAC. This is typically used in personal devices.
• Infrared sensor: the sensor analyses the absorption of infrared light through the breath sample. The amount of absorption is proportional to the blood alcohol concentration, allowing for an accurate measurement of the BAC. The device is larger and used in police stations.

Best Breathalyzer To Buy – Wide Range of Measurement Capabilities

The breathalyzer sensors have a varying range of measurement capabilities, depending on the type. The range of measurement refers to the minimum and maximum levels of alcohol that the device can detect. The best breathalyzer to buy has a more extensive range. It allows for a broader coverage of blood alcohol levels, from 0.00 to 0.400%.

Semiconductor breath testers typically measure blood alcohol concentrations between 0.02-0.40%. This range is suitable for drivers, who must not exceed the legal limit of 0.05% in New Zealand. However, they can be affected by interfering substances, temperature and humidity variations. Therefore, it is important to ensure the device is in an optimal and stable condition before use.

Fuel cell sensor technology has a much higher range of detection, from 0.00-0.400%. It offers consistent readings despite fluctuations in the range of temperature and humidity. Furthermore, it can measure alcohol concentrations accurately at low levels. Enlarged fuel cell sensors have a larger surface area for alcohol molecules to hit, calculating a larger electrical current.

Are There Risks Of False Positives

There are certain risks of false positives when using a breathalyzer. As mentioned above, semiconductor breathalyzers are susceptible to interference. The presence of cigarette smoke and alcohol vapour in the room may give inaccurate readings. Moreover, some users may blow too hard on the device, which can cause imprecise results.

Medications and certain health conditions may also cause the blood alcohol content to increase. This may cause false positives even if a person has not consumed a beverage. Additionally, no regular calibration may affect the accuracy of the sensors. Lastly, not waiting for 20 minutes after drinking may cause false positives due to mouth alcohol.

Best Breathalyzer To Buy – Convenience And Ease Of Use

The convenience of using the device is essential when looking for the best breathalyzer to buy. Personal breathalyzers should be easy to use on a regular basis. Devices like the BACtrack have a sleek design and one-touch button for efficient operation. It allows individuals to facilitate breath testing with minimal effort.

To use, press the power button and wait for the sensors to warm up. The breathalyzer will display on the screen when ready. Blow steadily into the mouthpiece and wait for the results. The device will show the alcohol readings in just a few seconds. Some devices have audible warnings to alert users if they exceed the limit.

The breath test is one of the most cost-effective methods to test for alcohol. The sample collection is easy and does not require facilities or laboratory testing. Furthermore, it is non-invasive and does not have privacy issues. Therefore, portable breathalyzers are ideal for alcohol screening. Nonetheless, it is vital to follow the guidelines when using the device for accurate results.

Recalibration Period

For reliable results, a breathalyzer must be regularly maintained or recalibrated. The sensors tend to drift over time as they accumulate alcohol residue and other particles. This will cause the device to give imprecise readings. Therefore, calibration is essential to ensure accuracy and reduce the risk of false positives.

It is advisable to send the unit back to the manufacturer for calibration after 6 or 12 months. It would also depend on the number of tests based on the device’s specifications. Additionally, it is recommended to recalibrate the device immediately if it gives inconsistent readings.

Conclusion

Finding the best breathalyzer to buy depends on individual requirements, testing needs, and budget. The essential features to look for include sensor accuracy, range of measurement, and ease of operation. The common sensors in personal devices are semiconductor and fuel cell sensor technologies. Advanced fuel cell sensors have police-grade accuracy due to their specificity to ethanol and wide detection range. It is also the technology that police officers use in roadside screening.

Operating an alcohol breathalyzer is easy. It involves blowing steadily to the device and waiting for the results. Hence, users will know their alcohol intake levels in real time. However, it is important to keep in mind that improper use and other factors may give false positives. Thus, always follow the guidelines in using the device for the most accurate blood alcohol content measurement. Individuals may get an accurate device, such as the BACtrack breathalyzers, for personal use.