The first thing to consider is what is your budget for a Breathalyzer and to stick to that budget as best you can. Keep in mind, as the price increases so does the features and technology available to assist you in delivering a more precise calculation of your BAC percentage; similar to what law enforcement will use in the field while administering a PBT (preliminary breath test).
According to “How Stuff Works”, there are three major types of alcohol testing devices that measure your BAC based on different chemical reactions and detection technology, such as:
A Breathalyzer – will use a chemical reaction involving alcohol that produces a color change on models under $20 but will use a type of Alcohol Sensor Recognition Technology typically on moderate but affordably priced models.
An Intoxilyzer – detects alcohol by infrared (IR) spectroscopy
An Alco-sensor III or IV breath tester – detects a chemical reaction of alcohol in a fuel cell by a microprocessor.
The small, Inexpensive keychain breathalyzers seem like a good investment given that most are under $20, such as Legal Limit and MC-6360. These low-end breathalyzers will definitely provide you with a visual color result, usually only to a predetermined BAC percentage, such as the U.S. legal limit set by the federal government of 0.08% or less. These kinds of breath testers are of low quality, unreliable, as to what your BAC actually is, and are not comparable to what law enforcement would use if you were pulled over and breath tested for the suspicion of driving under the influence.
There are more reliable Breathalyzers on the market today such as those offered by AlcoHawk and BacTrack, to name a few, with price ranges from $59 to $149 to fit any sized budget. Breathalyzers in this price range are more “consumer” orientated and have a digital LED or LCD screen to display an actual number for your BAC percentage, not a color. They are easily portable and extremely lightweight and are roughly the size and weight of a deck of playing cards. These Breathalyzers are of high quality and comparable to the professional and accurate results from “law enforcement grade” breath testers by using BluFire and Sensor Recognition Technology to calculate BAC percentages on a daily basis. In addition, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Department of Transportation (DOT), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have approved many of these breath testers to deliver accurate BAC percentage readings that will also correspond with the blood alcohol concentration tables listed on these specific government websites.
Breath testers that utilize infrared spectroscopy or AlcoSensor III or IV fuel cell technology such as LIfeloc, Alco-Sensor, and AlcoMate, are close to or exactly what law enforcement will use in the field while administering a PBT to those suspected of driving under the influence.
Some of these breath testers can retail for more than $250 and will reach as high as $1000 or more. These breath testers are commonly offered as a professional kit, which will include a hard, protective ABS plastic carrying case, a wall charger with a rechargeable lithium battery, owner’s manual, quick start guide, wireless printing, more individually wrapped mouthpieces, and a longer warranty.
These high-end and expensive breath testers offer a serious advantage to the user of ever being convicted of a DUI, if properly administered. Many of the more technical breath testers require you to be professionally trained to use such a detailed device.
If you are seriously considering purchasing a breath tester or breathalyzer in this or any price range, check the manufacturer’s specifications to whether or not you will be required to be professionally trained to operate that device, if so, contact your local law enforcement office to inquire about the classes available that will certify you in such a procedure.
Author: Jay L.
Sources:
How Stuff Works
DUI Arrest Help.com
