How Accurate are Breathalyzers?

Do you regularly socialize a considerable distance from your home? Do you often find yourself wondering whether you are over the alcohol limit to drive a vehicle? If so, you might be considering purchasing a breathalyzer. One of the key concerns from people who are considering purchasing such a device is the accuracy of the blood alcohol level results that it returns. So, with in mind, let us answer the question, “How accurate are breathalyzers?”

Types of blood alcohol level testing

There are three different types of blood alcohol level testing used in the U.S.; blood tests, breath tests and urine tests. Generally, lab testing errors aside, blood testing is considered the most accurate form of testing blood alcohol consumption, followed by breath tests and urine tests respectively. However breath tests are considered accurate enough to be used in DUI prosecution and are the most commonly used form of BAC testing by law enforcement agencies. Fuel cell sensor breathalyzers are considered especially accurate.

Factors that may deter results

Some people argue that because breathalyzers do not consider the traits and physical characteristics of each individual tested, that the results are not entirely accurate. It is true that breathalyzers deliver results that are based on programmed “average” human traits and characteristics. Breath test results may also be deterred by the presence of solvents, glue, paints and petrol and even your diet. If you hold your breath for a sustained period before taking a breath test, the BAC levels returned may be inflated.

Results can also be inflated if a person has used any alcohol-based mouthwash, mouth spray or other dental products within a couple of hours before being tested. A breathalyzer will only be able to return accurate results once you blow into it correctly, for at least 5 seconds. If the device has not come into contact with extreme precision, it may not be able to perform correctly which may lead to the production of inaccurate results.