Reliable Home Breathalyzers: Factors To Consider When Looking For One

Many people get into road accidents because of alcohol. Thus, law enforcement conducts random roadside breath tests to prevent more of those from happening. To further protect everyone, there are now reliable home breathalyzers available. Each unit has its different features. Hence, they should know the most important factors to consider before buying one. The accuracy, device type, and ease of use of the tester are the top features they must think about.

It is necessary to understand the three factors because they can determine how trustworthy the device is. Moreover, these can gauge how long the device can last. A breath tester is a good tool to have at home. People who have difficulty managing their alcohol intake can rely on it to help them out. To understand more, the following sections will present the three features that are most essential to recognise.

Reliable Home Breathalyzers: Accuracy

One of the top factors people should consider when buying a reliable home breathalyzer is its accuracy. There can be serious consequences if a tester provides inaccurate results. Thus, they should choose a reliable unit. The sensor is responsible for measuring the Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC). Most units use either the semiconductor or fuel cell sensors. The differences between them lie in their performance.

A device with a semiconductor sensor checks the reaction of ethyl alcohol, water, and acetic acid. Commonly, the result produces electric currents, and the higher the currents, the higher the BAC is. However, it may be susceptible to errors because other substances can generate the same effect as the acid.

Likewise, the result of a unit using a fuel cell sensor also produces currents. However, the alcohol components go through more processes. It has more accurate readings than a semiconductor one because it only reacts to alcohol. Hence, it will not read other chemicals that may come into contact with the device. The possibility of false readings will then be lessened. This is why it is used in professional settings.

Advantages Over Other Tests

There are other methods to testing for alcohol such as a blood test, urine test, and saliva test. The following are the advantages of a breath test over the others:

• People can use a breathalyzer multiple times anywhere, unlike the others where they would have to keep going back to a laboratory or buying new and clean kits.
• It is a non-invasive process. Meanwhile, technicians need to use a syringe for blood testing.
• Buying a home breath tester is cost-effective. Since they can use the device many times, they can receive a return on their investment in the long run.

Reliable Home Breathalyzers: Device Type

It is essential to know that there are different kinds of reliable home breathalyzers. Most testers are handheld, but they come in different shapes and sizes. There are traditional-looking ones. They typically look like lightweight cellular phones. People can keep a unit in their house. They must place it inside a clean and dry place that they can access easily when going outside.

Some devices can be smaller than a traditional one. Individuals can check the BACtrack Go Keychain as well as the C6 and C8 Smartphone units from Breathalyers New Zealand. They are so small that they can act like keychains. Despite their size, they are accurate and useful.

Furthermore, there are disposable units. The previously mentioned device types are both electronic, but a single-use breath tester is not. It consists of a plastic tube with chemicals and a plastic bag that people are meant to blow through to inflate. It can be suitable to have packs of it at home and give to friends coming over so that they can test themselves before driving back to their homes. However, this type is not as reliable as others.

Benefits of Using A Breath Tester

Aside from its advantages, a home breath tester has several benefits. Firstly, it is accessible. People do not need to go out when they want to test their alcohol level. Managing their consumption is easier with a device in their homes. They can also bring it with them when going outside.

Secondly, it is technologically advanced. Some units can connect to Bluetooth. Hence, they can access results on their mobile phones. Lastly, it is multipurpose. They can use it to monitor and control their alcohol intake. Also, they can use it to make informed decisions, such as driving.

Reliable Home Breathalyzers: Convenience and Ease of Use

Convenience and ease of use are some more factors to consider when buying a reliable home breathalyzer. Each unit has its specific features. Thus, some devices can have more elements than others. The reason why people should think about this is because additional features can provide a better user experience.

For instance, some devices have Bluetooth connectivity. This allows people to access the mobile application. BACtrack devices have this feature and use a user-friendly app. One of its benefits is it can call a cab if its owner is above the legal limit. This eliminates the need to designate a driver. It is especially helpful for days when their loved ones are busy.

Breath testers are generally easy to use. They only need to wait for it to warm up, then blow into the mouthpiece. However, some units take a longer time to warm up. Moreover, smartphone-enabled units can give people the option to track their alcohol intake. After a drinking session at home, they can take a test, and if it is above their expected level, they can stop.

How to Maintain a Device

People must follow the guidelines and maintenance to prevent the breathalyzer from malfunctioning. Blowing too much alcohol in the device can negatively impact its longevity. Hence, they should try doing it without excess liquid. Additionally, other contaminants like particles and tobacco can come into contact with the device. They should then avoid eating and smoking. This can prevent false positives.

Furthermore, some breath testers require recalibration to stay accurate. Trained technicians run tests to ensure the device is functioning properly. They also provide necessary adjustments. Thus, professionals must do the process. Breathalysers New Zealand has efficient recalibration services for units that need it.

Conclusion

The availability of reliable home breathalyzers is a good step towards the promotion of healthy drinking patterns and road safety. However, people should consider several factors before buying, such as accuracy, device type, and convenience. Testers that produce accurate results are the most important as they can prevent accidents. They can also choose from traditional to non-traditional units. Additional features can make the use of a tester easier than others.

A device provides people with an accessible means to check their BAC. Home breath testers can monitor BAC efficiently and effectively with the use of technology. People can feel more relaxed when they go out to drink because they and others can stay safe. Additionally, they can preserve their freedom by having a unit that they can bring anytime and anywhere they go. All in all, it is a good tool to make informed choices and foster responsible drinking habits.