Alcohol testers

Alcohol testers are designed to detect and measure the blood alcohol content (BAC) in a breath sample. They are used by traffic police officers to check if motorists are over the drink drive limit. They can also be used for daily testing of people who operate machinery. Sometimes, you may need this device for self-testing, to measure the concentration of alcohol in your bloodstream before you get behind the wheel.

Types of breathalysers

By air sample collection method:

• With a mouthpiece – These are highly accurate as the sample from your mouth goes straight to the sensor. They come with disposable mouthpieces, resulting in some extra cost.
• Contactless – These are fitted with a special intake device. Air is exhaled onto a small hole in the casing. They are cheap and compact, but the accuracy of readings can be affected by the blow strength, ambient temperature, vapour from disinfectant or hand sanitiser, and the tilt angle of the device.
• Universal – In these, air samples can be taken both through a mouthpiece or without it.
• With a passive measuring mode – This allows testing of people who are unable to take a test, for example, due to being unconscious.

By sensor type:

• Semiconductor – The measurement is based on the change in electrical conductivity when the semiconductor is exposed to alcoholic vapours. This type of tester has a medium level of accuracy and requires frequent calibration.
• Electrochemical (fuel cell-based) – This consists of a cathode and a catalyst-coated anode. When exposed to alcohol vapours, a reduction-oxidation reaction with electron emission takes place. This type of tester is durable.

Operating instructions for alcohol testers

• Avoid hitting the body of the device.
• Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations concerning the number of tests performed a day.
• Regularly calibrate the device. Maintenance intervals are specified in the user manual or in the technical specifications.
• Do not blow cigarette smoke or spray liquids into the device as you might damage the sensor.
• Make sure that all fasteners of the alcohol breathalyzer are securely tightened and its body is clean.

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