Methods for Breath Analysis

This chapter describes how the analysis of breath, as a practical means to clinically assess alcohol intoxication, was proposed in the United States in 1927. Breath alcohol analysis has since become widely employed as a primary means of determining alcohol involvement in motor vehicle violations. Breath alcohol analysis is also used in conjunction with the enforcement of juvenile drinking, impaired boating, snowmobiling and off-road vehicle laws. Breath alcohol analysis has found use in hospitals and drug abuse treatment centers for clinical screening of alcohol use and abuse, at worksites for screening employees, and as a means to ensure compliance with probation orders of alcohol abstinence. Breath alcohol analyzers can also be integrated into a vehicle’s ignition system to prevent alcohol-impaired drivers from operating the vehicle. The chapter describes how the technology of breath alcohol analysis has evolved from the collection of breath in balloons and analysis by cumbersome wet chemical methods to automated, portable, microprocessor-controlled instruments providing immediate results. These instruments are capable of providing reliable results when operated in a non-laboratory environment by individuals with little or no scientific background or training.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/isbn/9781933264585
• Corporate Authors:

  Lawyers & Judges Publishing Company, Incorporated

  P.O. Box 30040
  Tucson, AZ  United States  85751-0040
• Authors:
  • Harding, Patrick
  • Zettl, Robert
• Publication Date: 2008

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Edition: Fifth
• Features: Figures; Photos; References; Tables;
• Pagination: pp 229-253
• Monograph Title: Garriott's Medicolegal Aspects of Alcohol

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Alcohol breath tests; Alcohol effects; Alcohol tests; Alcohol use; Blood alcohol levels; Highway safety; Human factors in crashes; Intoxication; Portable equipment
• Subject Areas: Highways; Safety and Human Factors; I83: Accidents and the Human Factor;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01164967
• Record Type: Publication
• ISBN: 9781933264585
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Aug 16 2010 9:11AM