How to Choose a Proper Alcohol Tester Breathalyzer?

What is a breathalyzer?

How to Choose a Proper Alcohol Tester Breathalyzer? A breathalyzer, alcohol meter, blood alcohol tester is common to determine the alcohol content in the blood.

However, this does not happen directly.

Rather, the alcohol content of the breath measures and the blood alcohol value calculates from it. This is because the alcohol (ethanol) releases from the blood into the breathing air via the alveoli during gas exchange.

However, the alcohol content in the breath is much lower than that in the blood.

At a temperature of 34 °C, two liters of exhaled air contain about the same amount of alcohol as one cubic centimeter of blood.

A breath alcohol concentration (AAC) of 0.25 mg/l therefore corresponds to a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.5 g/l or 0.5 per thousand. Since the alcohol content in the breath is around 2100 times lower than in the blood, a blood test is always ordered by the police when the exact alcohol content in the blood has to be determined.

How to Choose a Proper Alcohol Tester Breathalyzer?

A wide variety of models are commercially available. Inexpensive alcohol testers are available for private use and for quick fun at a party. High-quality breathalyzers, on the other hand, correspond to the accuracy of professional breathalyzers common by the police.

The application is usually the same: The breathing air blows into the device with blow tubes or mouthpieces. There are single-use breathalyzer tubes and multiple-use devices. These mostly digital alcohol meters then show the measurement result on a digital display.

A distinction also comes between mobile and stationary alcohol measuring devices. The latest generation of alcohol dispensers can be common in conjunction with a smartphone. After the test, the measurement results display on the smartphone and we can save it.

Who should buy alcohol tester breathalyzer?

Alcohol testers according to professional standards are best for all users who want or need a meaningful result. They meet the requirements of the police and offer high measurement accuracy.

Mobile or portable devices are already very small, light and handy and in many cases very easy to operate with a 1-button operation or a touch screen.

They operate with batteries or rechargeable batteries including a charger or car adapter.

There are also portable alcohol testers with a printer connection, with which the determined values ​​are easy to print out on the spot immediately after the final result appear.

How accurate are breathalyzers?

How to Choose a Proper Alcohol Tester Breathalyzer? Breath alcohol testing devices measure the level of alcohol in the breath of the respective test person, the measured value usually displays in parts per thousand (‰ or g/l). This depends on the quality and the built-in sensor, the measuring devices available on the market today deliver initial results from as little as 0.01 per mil.

The measurement of the blood alcohol concentration (BAC is easy to carry out by the police in the event of suspicion. Furthermore, it is common to determine the individual degree of alcoholization with reliable evidence.

Breathe alcohol testers measure the alcohol content of the breath relatively accurately, with deviations depending on the measuring method. However, the actual alcohol content in the blood can vary depending on the metabolism.

How much does a breathalyzer cost?

Simple disposable breathalyzers are already available at a low price. They are sufficient to detect the presence of alcohol or ethanol in the breath. However, for more precise measurement results (depending on the model) prices in the three-digit range are usual.

The more professional the devices are, the more the price increases will be. The models in the top price segment also convince with police standards and can be common very often.

In various breathalyzer tests, models discuss that can be common several times. Battery-operated, such a device uses sensors instead of chemicals to determine whether you are still in the blood alcohol range that would allow you to meet the police without a report.

There are different types of sensors

 An electrochemical sensor uses electrolytes to determine which components are in the oxygen, the ethanol value in the breathing air and then provides information on the LCD display.

 A semiconductor sensor absorbs oxygen molecules and changes its conductivity depending on which gases are still present. Cost points with these types of Alcotest are batteries and interchangeable mouthpieces.

• Reusable
•  creates less waste
•  Additional costs for batteries and mouthpieces

What do breathalyzers measure?

How to Choose a Proper Alcohol Tester Breathalyzer? The alcohol tester breathalyzer measure the breath alcohol content. The road traffic regulations set the limits for both blood alcohol (in parts per thousand) and breath alcohol (in milligrams of alcohol per liter of breath). One per thousand corresponds to 0.5 mg/l.

When can the police carry out an alcohol test?

The police can carry out an alcohol test at every check, even if there is no suspicion. It doesn't matter whether you use an alcohol dispenser or a pre-test device. An alcohol test is easy to request even hours after the end of the journey.

Where can the authority check?

Even if there is no evidence of alcohol consumption, every driver can go through testing on the road. If there is a concrete suspicion, the police can demand that the driver come to the nearest police station and be examined there.

The authority even has the right to carry out a test at the driver's home. However, only if there are indications that the person was driving his vehicle under the influence of alcohol, for example if the smell of alcohol, unsteady gait or slurred speech suggest excessive alcohol consumption.

What happens if you refuse the alcohol pre-test?

The refusal of the alcohol pre-test does not result in a penalty, but the driver then has to do an alcohol mat test.

What common to reserve for the police can now is a great help on the road. A breathalyzer can save you from great stupidity, because we often underestimate how much alcohol we actually have in our blood after a party, a visit to a restaurant or an evening with friends.

 This applies equally to drivers and cyclists. Even if you feel completely sober, the actual reading might say otherwise. If an accident then occurs, it can have serious consequences. Therefore, a breathalyzer is a worthwhile investment.

Summary

How to Choose a Proper Alcohol Tester Breathalyzer? However, not all devices are equally accurate. Many are only suitable as a party gag, but not to check your ability to drive. In our guide you can find out what you should look out for when buying a breathalyzer and what different types of devices are available.