subject: Useful Information On Breathalyzer Accuracy [print this page] Useful Information On Breathalyzer Accuracy
Breathalyzers are devices that are widely used by law enforcement officers and health care professionals to assess the amount of alcohol a civilian has consumed. In many cases, the findings are used to bring legal action against the civilian if their alcohol levels register above the legal limits. If you have recently found yourself in some legal trouble because of a breathalyzer test, you might want to read the important information in this article on breathalyzer accuracy.
The accuracy of a breathalyzer depends upon many different factors. One major factor is the quality of the device. For example, a consumer grade device will be less accurate than a professional device used by police officers. This is because these products are made with cheaper parts in order to reduce their final retail costs.
Temperature, in some cases, can cause these devices to display inaccurate results. However, if the device is properly calibrated before the reading is taken, there is a much lower chance of a false reading occurring.
Some researchers have reported that breathing patterns can affect the accuracy of a reading. Some studies have found that rapid breathing patterns may decrease the final reading result to a lower alcohol level, while holding your breath may increase the reading by a fairly large amount.
According to certain studies, there is a fairly large margin of error when it comes to comparing breathalyzer results to blood test results for alcohol levels. In any case, blood tests are considered to be the accurate source for such results. You may be wise to opt for a blood test if you find yourself in trouble due to alcohol.
Even with modern technology, breathalyzer accuracy is not a cut and dry subject. Depending upon the temperature, the breathing rate of the person being tested, and how recently the device was calibrated, the results may vary quite significantly.
