Alcohol is a part of our culture, and the use of alcohol breath testing is needed, whether for random testing at work sites or for testing drivers on the road. Testing for alcohol consumption is done using a breathalyzer test. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that these tests measure the alcohol levels in the exhaled breath.
History
Blood-alcohol content (BAC) information has been sought for centuries. Specifically, breath alcohol levels were being sufficiently established as early as 1938 when Dr. Rolla Harger created his invention called the "drunkometer." This invention was refined and Professor Robert Borkenstein introduced a portable device known as a "breathalyzer" in 1954. Since this time, breathalyzer has been a frequent term used for a device that collects BAC information from the breath.
Process
For the blood-alcohol level to be detected a person must blow through a tube or funnel to dispel air into a chamber. According to the British Medical Journal, this air should be attained from a deep breath so that the alveolar sacs of the lungs provide the air. Once the air reaches the chamber a chemical reaction occurs which allows the machine to estimate the BAC.
Results
In order for a result to be valid, everyone has to be tested by the same principles. The Journal of Applied Physiology explains that a ratio is used to calibrate the machines so that alcohol breath testing is standardized. A standard partition ratio of 2,100 is used, but according to Forensic Evidence.com, this ratio really varies from 1,900 to 2,400 depending on the person. That means the results may be incorrect and some estimates show that it can vary by 20 percent.
Significance
It is known that drinking can impair motor functions, and checking the alcohol level of suspected drunk drivers is possible with alcohol breath testing. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that in most states you are considered legally drunk if your BAC level is over 0.8 percent. Being able to regulate drivers with a quick test makes driving safer.
Considerations
As of 2010, alcohol breath tests remain a legal alternative to testing blood in most cases of drunk driving. However, Forensic Evidence.com lists a reason why the alcohol level detected could vary in the same person at the same time. They claim if the body temperature is higher than average, those who are close to the legal limit might be wrongly accused. The safest way to not be falsely accused of drinking over the limit is to not drink at all.
