Breath Alcohol

Breath Alcohol Testing

Who should choose breath alcohol testing?

Breath alcohol testing is typically performed on donors who are suspected of being under the influence of alcohol at the time of the test. It has also been used in random testing by courts and probation officers to ensure abstinence from alcohol.

How does breath alcohol testing work?

Breath alcohol testing works by detecting blood alcohol content, or BAC, in a person's exhaled breath. When a person consumes alcohol, it enters their bloodstream in the stomach and small intestine. Once alcohol enters the bloodstream it circulates throughout the body, entering the brain, liver, and lungs. When blood containing alcohol reaches the lungs, the alcohol is partially removed from the blood when the person exhales. The testing device can detect this exhaled alcohol in the breath. The more alcohol that is in the blood, the more is exhaled into the device, and the higher the BAC.

How long can alcohol be detected in someone's breath?

It really depends. Usually, alcohol can be detected by the testing device 15 minutes after an individual first consumes alcohol, however, BAC can be measured most accurately about one hour after someone consumes alcohol. In healthy individuals, most alcohol is removed from the bloodstream quickly by the liver. Because alcohol is removed from the bloodstream so quickly, we recommend that breath alcohol testing be completed as soon as possible, but for optimal detection, the donor should test at least an hour after drinking has stopped, but no later than 8 hours.

How is breath alcohol testing performed?

Breath alcohol testing is quick and painless. The breath alcohol technician will hold a testing device and instruct the donor to take a deep breath and blow into a mouthpiece connected to the device until instructed to stop. If the result is 0.02 or higher the technician will repeat the test after a 15-minute wait. The test is repeated to make sure that the result was not a false positive from the donor using a breath freshening spray or a medication that contains alcohol. The 15-minute wait allows for any residual alcohol that may be in the mouth to evaporate.

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Frequently Asked Questions

If your question isn't addressed, or you just want to talk to a live person, give us a call at 1 (636) 916-0050.

Appointments are suggested but are not required.

Depending on if a confirmation test is required, breath alcohol tests typically take between 10 and 30 minutes.

Results are available immediately.

Very accurate. We use the same evidential breath alcohol testing devices that most law enforcement departments in the United States use. The devices have received certification by the NHTSA, United States Department of Transportation, and is calibrated on the manufacturer's recommended schedule to maintain accuracy.

The devices we use provide highly accurate results and are not the same as novelty testing devices available online or in retail stores which typically have a large margin of error.

It's possible. Every person is different, and every situation is different. There's no way to determine with any degree of certainty when a person will no longer test positive for a breath alcohol test without performing the test.

Yes. Some breath sprays and fresheners can contain a small amount of alcohol. If you plan on taking a breath alcohol test, it's best to avoid these sprays for at least 15 minutes prior to testing.