AN ASSESSMENT OF THE ACCURACY AND CONSISTENCY OF SOME DEVICES FOR TESTING OF BREATH ALCOHOL CONCENTRATIONS

This is a non-detailed report of a controlled laboratory study of the accuracy of devices which drivers can use to measure their own breath alcohol concentration. Manufacturers and distributors were invited to submit their devices by means of a Sydney Morning Herald advertisement. In addition, firms known or believed likely to offer such devices were individually telephoned. Devices which were submitted by their distributors were tested in a breath simulator, at different known alcohol concentrations. Two carrier gases were used: room air and simulated exhaled breath. The tests were conducted at two flow rates of the carrier gases. Some devices were affected by these factors, but not very greatly. Some devices were very accurate and consistent. Only one type of device performed poorly. The schedule of acceptable devices is given. The present study does not address the issue of difficulties or mistakes when the devices are in actual use by people who have to rely on instructions. Similarly, it does not take into account the effects of smoking nor the possibility of rising blood alcohol content continuing after the test. However, the tests do give a very good indication of the accuracy of the equipment tested when properly used and maintained. (TRRL)

  • Availability:
  • Corporate Authors:

    New South Wales Traffic Authority

    56 Rothschild Avenue
    Rosebery, New South Wales 2018,   Australia 

    University of Sydney

    Department of Pharmacology, Parramatta Road
    Sydney, New South Wales  Australia  2006

    New South Wales Institute of Technology

    Harris Street
    Broadway, New South Wales,   Australia 
  • Authors:
    • STARMER, G A
  • Publication Date: 1984-4

Media Info

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00389203
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Source Agency: ARRB
  • ISBN: 0-7240-7051-6
  • Report/Paper Numbers: RN 2/84 Monograph
  • Files: ITRD, TRIS, ATRI
  • Created Date: Nov 30 1984 12:00AM