Breathalyzers: Your Own Judgment May Not Be As Reliable

December 14th, 2009

Breathalyzers: Your Own Judgment May Not Be As Reliable

What is a breathalyzer? You may have heard the term in reference to a test police administer to determine if someone has been drinking and driving. A breathalyzer is actually a device that can measure the amount of alcohol in the lungs, which relates directly to the amount of alcohol in the blood. Because this test involves breath, it is more accurate, less invasive, and easier to administer than older methods. Having a person touch their nose, or try to walk in a straight line, has varied results from person to person. Testing blood or urine can be difficult in a casual setting. There are many reasons to determine someone’s blood alcohol levels, and all of them are important. A breathalyzer gives accurate facts, gets rid of the guesswork, and can provide peace of mind.

The basic price ranges from about $40-$500. The different models come with a variety of features, there is even one that can be used in conjunction with an IPod. Some breathalyzers are built in a small, sleek form for use in bars, while professional ones are often larger. Most use mouthpieces; however, some models don’t even require that. This can be helpful for testing multiple people without a lot of extra supplies or cleaning. One of the major differences between the more economical and the more pricey styles is the type of testing used. Fuel cell sensors are often more accurate and have less false positives than silicon oxide testers.

Myths abound about passing a breathalyzer test, with some saying that breath mints, mouthwash and garlic can help fool the instrument. However, none of these are effective, since the breathalyzer actually measures the level of alcohol in the lungs; and no amount of garlic will change that. Mouthwash in particular is a bad idea, since these products often contain alcohol and will actually skew the results of the test in the opposite direction.

There are many different reasons to use a breathalyzer. Many like to have their own to use when they are drinking alcoholic beverages - and since alcohol is notorious for impairing judgment, a reliable test like a breathalyzer can help you to prevent overindulgence. It’s also a great thing to have when you’re with friends; you can let someone know beyond a doubt when it’s not safe for them to drive or simply that they’ve had enough without nagging.

The percentage of minors drinking is on the rise. A breathalyzer is a concrete way to battle this problem. Instead of suspicion and accusation, the device can enable parents and school officials, as well as police, to make an accurate analysis of the situation. While teens may object to standard breathalyzer tests at events or parties, it is an easy way to make sure everyone stays safe.

The most compelling reason to use a breathalyzer is to protect the safety of your family, your friends and even yourself. You can keep your loved ones from driving when they’ve had too much to drive safely - breathalyzers have saved countless lives since they were first introduced. Anyone with teenage children and anyone who drinks (or knows people who do) can benefit from having a breathalyzer. It’s quick and easy to use and it can keep you and your family and friends safe while you’re having a good time.

Written by Robin Saunders, a proficient writer that tackles different topics that are not limited to alcohol, DUI, alcohol tester etc. The author personally uses Alcohawk, find out why it’s one of the best testers available today.