SPECIALIST PHARMACOLOGICAL & BIOCHEMICAL INTERVENTIONS

BREATH TESTING: ALCOHOL DETECTION

Breathalysers may be photoelectric or infrared based. Infrared devices with microprocessor control give the highest accuracy. Forensic grade breath analysers offer the greatest accuracy with a bias for slightly underestimating blood alcohol levels. There is a significant initial expense, but they are cheap to use following the initial outlay. Breathalyser readings give an indicator of recent (several hours) alcohol consumption.

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Alcohol Guidelines index

The above information is copyright of Dr Bruce Trathen MBBS MRCPsych (2006). ISBN 0-9545164-0-0. The author grants permission for these guidelines to be downloaded, copied and distributed freely, but does not grant permission for their sale.