There are certain assumptions breathalyzers make as to the average person's ratio of alcohol in their breath compared to alcohol in their blood. The basic problem is that no person is actually average and the conversion factors not only vary between people, but change over time for a given individual. The only true way to determine blood alcohol content is to draw and analyze the blood. For more on the subject, see the related link below. ADDED: The name "Breathalyzer" has become a common slang term loosely applied to describe any alcohol-testing device. If you are referring to the hand held 'screening devices' used by officers on the street - they are accurate enough for probable cause to administer further tests to you to determine if you are legally impaired. If you are referring to the testing device that is used at police stations or in alcohol testing mobile vans - after long usage and many court challenges, they are considered to consistently be accurate enough for their results to be widely accepted nationwide as prima facie evidence of intoxication/impairment.
Car breathalyzers are very accurate. They operate under the same function as regular breathalyzers.
Many police stations have implemented digital breathalyzers, but there are still a few who use the older types. The digital breathalyzers are much more accurate however. Most police agencies use digitial breathalyzers. These are more accurate than the older ones.
Breathalyzers are designed and calibrated to detect only alcohol. Since Coumadin is NOT an alcohol based medication it cannot be used as an excuse for a DUI charge.
Oddly enough, most stores that carry electronics do carry breathalyzers. Big stores like Amazon, Best Buy, and Wal-Mart have a selection of breathalyzers, some as inexpensive as $30.
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yes
It is possible to buy personal breathalyzers from your local drug store, even Walmart will carry this type of item. Best Buy also carry breathalyzers.
No
You can get breathalyzers that are required to be used before a car will start at www.gadgetvenue.com. Another good website to get it is www.totaldui.com, then go to Breathalyzer.
"Different police departments started using DUI breathalyzers at different times. Most of them started in the 1980s, others didn't get them until the 90's."
If you're a DUI suspect, you should have the option between a blood test and a breathalyzer test. I would opt for the blood test because breathalyzers aren't always accurate and can really screw you over.
Police typically use handheld breathalyzers, also known as portable breath testers (PBTs), to measure blood alcohol content. These devices analyze a person's breath to estimate the level of alcohol in their bloodstream.