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A breath alcohol test determines how much alcohol is in your blood by measuring the amount of alcohol in the air you breathe out (exhale).
Alternative NamesAlcohol test - breath
How the test is performedThere are various brands of breath alcohol tests. Each one uses a different method to test the level of alcohol in the breath. The machine may be electronic or manual.
One common manual tester requires you to blow up a balloon in one continuous breath until it is full, then release the air into a glass tube. The tube is filled with bands of yellow crystals. The bands in the tube change colors (from yellow to green), depending on the alcohol content. Carefully read the instructions before using the test to make sure you get an accurate result.
If an electronic alcohol meter is used, follow the instructions that come with the meter.
How to prepare for the testWait 15 minutes after drinking an alcoholic beverage and 1 minute after smoking before starting the test.
How the test will feelThere is no discomfort.
Why the test is performedWhen you drink alcohol, the amount of alcohol in your blood goes up. This is called your blood-alcohol level.
When the amount of alcohol in the blood reaches 0.02 - 0.03%, you may feel a relaxing "high."
When that percentage reaches 0.05 - 0.10%, you have reduced muscular coordination, a longer reaction time, and impaired judgment.
Driving under the influence of alcohol is dangerous. A person with an alcohol level of 0.08% and above is considered legally intoxicated (drunk) in most states. (Some states have lower levels than others.)
The alcohol content of exhaled air accurately reflects the alcohol content of the blood.
Normal ValuesNormal is when the blood alcohol levels are not elevated.
What abnormal results meanWhen one band is green, it means that the blood-alcohol level is 0.05% or lower. Two green bands mean levels of 0.05% to 0.10%. Three green bands indicate levels between 0.10% and 0.15%.
What the risks areThere are no risks.
Special considerationsThe test does not take into account the driving abilities of the test subject. Driving abilities vary among people with the same blood-alcohol levels. Some people with blood-alcohol levels below 0.05% may not be able to safely drive. For occasional drinkers, judgment problems occur at blood-alcohol levels of just 0.02%.
The breath alcohol test helps you to know how much alcohol it takes to raise the blood-alcohol level to a dangerous level. Each person's response to alcohol varies. The test may help you make better decisions about driving after drinking.
ReferencesBitterman RA. Medicolegal issues and risk management. In: Marx JA, ed. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2009:chap 202.
Reviewed ByReview Date: 06/28/2010
Jacob L. Heller, MD, MHA, Emergency Medicine, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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What is the minimal breath alcohol concentration of a driver who has failed an alcohol test?
.04
Is the blood alchol level the same as breath alcohol level?
No. An alcohol breath test is only an estimate of the actual blood alcohol concentration, which can only be determined by drawing and analyzing a sample of blood.
How long does it take to pass a breath test after drinking a half pint of alcohol?
10 hours
Can ethanol affect A breath test?
can ethanol affect a breath test
What is alcohol test?
Alcohol test ( proof ) is the percent of alcohol in drinks.
Can you beat a breath test?
No, a breath test can not be beat. The breath tests measures the alcohol content in a persons body.
What is the meaning of a alcohol breath tester?
A breath alcohol test measures the amount of alcohol in your body by measuring the amount of alcohol in the air that you exhale. The test can be administered by a a device that is electronic or manual.
How do they test your breath for alcohol?
You use a Breathalyzer
Does the alcohol breath tester work?
"Yes alcohol breath testers work. You breath into a breath tester and it reads the alcohol content of your breath. Cops can pull over people and test them to see if they are drunk, and can arrest you if you are."
Can you blow a 0.01 on a breath alcohol test without drinking alcohol?
Yes. There are many sources of error in alcohol breath testing machines.
What is a better test for alcohol breath or blood?
Blood is always more accurate as it is a direct test - breath is indirect.
What is the minimal breath alcohol concentration of a driver who has failed an alcohol test?
.04
How do you get alcohol out of breath?
The odor of an alcoholic beverage on the breath will dissipate with time. It's also possible to cover the odor with breath mints, mouthwash, etc. However, doing so will not prevent the detection of the alcohol in an alcohol breath test.
Can clove oil affect a breath alcohol test?
Yes
What is more accurate for alcohol content blood test or breath test?
Only a blood test can measure BAC. A breath tester can only ESTIMATE the BAC.
Can cough medicine give you a positive breath alcohol test?
yes
Breath alcohol level?
Breath alcohol level refers to the amount of alcohol vapor in the breath. Alcohol is excreted into the lungs from the blood in a fixed proportion to the amount in the blood. Therefore, measuring breath alcohol gives an indirect, but accurate, measurement of the amount of alcohol in the blood, and the degree of impairment to brain function.
