Store bought breathalyzers may not be reliable to determine blood alcohol level. Many types of breathalyzers are on sale right now at supermarkets and pharmacy's across the country. Ranging from as little as $30 to over $100, these consumer breathalyzers can determine the amount of alcohol in your system.
Is it possible for a breathalyzer to be wrong?
Breathalyzer tests measure the concentration of alcohol in your bloodstream. If you consume alcohol immediately before taking the test, though, it may issue a false positive. If officers fail to calibrate the test correctly, you could receive a false-positive reading.
How often is a breathalyzer wrong?
Generally, breathalyzer tests are only accurate approximately 40% of the time. Factor into that statistic that the testing equipment itself has an inherent margin of error between . 005 and . 02% in its BAC readings.
How accurate are store bought breathalyzers?
Top-rated devices when used correctly are accurate to a 0.001% margin of error. However, there are many variables that determine accuracy. Fuel center testers are more expensive, give more accurate results and last longer than semiconductor oxide-based testers.
How do I choose a breathalyzer?
Typically there are three major factors to consider when choosing a breathalyzer: accuracy, cost and convenience. First, we will give you a brief overview of sensor types and technologies because this is what will ultimately determine the accuracy, cost and convenience of the breathalyzer.
What brand breathalyzer Do police use?
The Military and Law Enforcement Trust BACtrack Police Departments rely on BACtrack Breathalyzers as preliminary screening devices during DUI traffic stops to determine if someone is possibly intoxicated. They trust BACtrack because they know they are getting the most accurate BAC results possible.
Can civilians buy breathalyzers?
It is now possible to own a Personal Breathalyzer that has the same accuracy as those used by law enforcement, using platinum fuel cell technology. “Fuel Cells are accurate, consistent and respond quickly over a wide range of alcohol breath concentrations.
What is the best breathalyzer in Australia?
BACtrack S80 Pro
How much does a quality breathalyzer cost?
High-end breathalyzers cost between $50 and $200. Many of these professional-grade models use more accurate fuel cell sensors. These can handle hundreds of tests before needing to be recharged and recalibrated.
Is buying a breathalyzer worth it?
At the end of the day, if you think you're likely to be walking the line between sober and drunk when you need to take the wheel, you should definitely purchase a breath analyzer. Breathalyzers can let you know when you're way over the line and when you're good to go.
How accurate are keychain breathalyzers?
A keychain breathalyzer called BACtrack Keychain is only $30. It comes in fun colors and is much more convenient to carry around. However, this model is much less accurate, running a margin of error of . 02%.