How to Pass a Breathalyzer: Tips for Accurate Test Results

If you’ve ever wondered how to pass a breathalyzer test, you’re not alone. Breathalyzer tests are used to measure the alcohol content in your breath. If you were charged with a DUI, you may be required to install a portable breathalyzer, or Interlock Device, in your car which will require you to give a breath sample before your car will start. Smart Start, a leading provider of breathalyzer devices, uses top of the line technology to provide accurate and timely readings.

Understanding how to perform a breathalyzer test correctly and the elements that might impact breathalyzer test results will help you navigate these devices more effectively. In this post, we’ll walk you through the process of passing a breathalyzer test, from knowing how they function to helping you stay in compliance.

Understanding Breathalyzer Tests: How They Work

Breathalyzer tests are designed to measure the amount of alcohol in your breath and then convert it to the Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) value. These tests work by detecting the alcohol molecules present in the breath you exhale, or your Breath Alcohol Content (BrAC). The alcohol concentration in your breath is directly related to the blood alcohol concentration. This is because when you drink alcohol, it gets absorbed into your bloodstream and then evaporates through your breath and other bodily fluids.

Given that breathalyzer calibration is done regularly, this device only takes a few seconds to analyze how much alcohol is in your breath. When you breathe into a breathalyzer device, it measures how much alcohol is in the breath sample. With infrared spectroscopy, a special tool that uses infrared light to measure how it reacts with a certain molecule, the sensor uses light to measure the alcohol content and then a microprocessor takes the sensor’s data and converts it into the Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) value.

Factors Affecting Breathalyzer Results

What besides alcohol can set off a breathalyzer? There are a few outside factors that can influence the results of a breathalyzer test. These include:

Breath Sample: Providing a proper breath sample is crucial. The first bit of air from your lungs, known as “deep lung air,” is the most accurate for breath testing. It’s important to blow steadily and for the required duration to ensure a reliable reading. Smart Start uses a blow or blow-hum breath pattern to make sure you get the right amount of air on the first try.

Related post: How Accurate are Breathalyzers?

Alcohol from Food or Hygiene Products: Having any residual alcohol in your mouth, like from mouthwash or breath spray, can impact the results. To avoid this, we recommend you rinse your mouth with water before taking this alcohol breath test.

Metabolism: How long can a breathalyzer detect alcohol? It can detect up to 24 hours. However, people metabolize alcohol at different rates. If your metabolism is slow, you might still register a higher reading even if you haven’t consumed alcohol as recently as someone with a faster metabolism.

Smart Start’s goal is to make sure you get accurate and timely results from our breathalyzer devices. Our Ignition Interlocks and portable breathalyzers go through rigorous testing to ensure the best results every time. We want you to be successful in meeting any requirements needed so you can stay in compliance to maintain your driving privileges.

Can You Pass a Breathalyzer Test After Drinking Alcohol?

If you’ve recently drank alcohol and are required to use a breathalyzer, you might be wondering how long it takes to pass a breathalyzer test. The answer depends on the amount of alcohol you’ve consumed and the time that has passed since you drank.

It’s important to note that alcohol metabolism varies from person to person, so there’s no fixed timeframe for passing a breathalyzer after drinking. On average, the body eliminates about 0.015 grams of alcohol per deciliter of blood each hour. However, factors such as your weight, gender, overall health, and the sort of alcohol you ingested can all have an impact on this rate.

Smart Start Ignition Interlock Devices are designed to prevent you from starting your vehicle if your Breath Alcohol Concentration (BrAC) is above a certain limit, which is set by your state authority, such as the Department of Motor Vehicles. The device requires you to blow into it before starting your car, and it will analyze your breath sample to determine your BrAC. To ensure that you pass a breathalyzer test on a Smart Start Ignition Interlock Device, it’s recommended to wait until your BrAC is well below the legal limit before attempting to start your vehicle.

Strategies to Comply with Breathalyzer Requirements

If you’re required to take a breathalyzer test, there are several strategies you can employ to ensure accurate results:

Wait it Out: If you’ve been drinking, wait a sufficient amount of time before taking the alcohol breath test. This allows your body to metabolize the alcohol and reduce its concentration in your breath.

Stay Hydrated: Drinking enough water can help dilute the alcohol in your breath. Hydration won’t eliminate alcohol, but it might lower the concentration over time.

Avoid Mouthwash and Breath Spray: These products can contain alcohol, which could give a high reading, even if you haven’t been drinking alcohol. It’s best to avoid them before taking a breathalyzer test.

Follow Instructions: At your installation appointment, our expert technicians will give you a step by step walkthrough of how to use your device. It may take you a few times to get used to blowing in the device. Blowing too hard or too softly will result in having to take the test again.

Debunking Claims of Foolproof Breathalyzer Avoidance

There are various myths and tips out there claiming to help you beat a breathalyzer test. However, these claims are ineffective and could even land you in more trouble. Claims like eating certain foods or drinking coffee won’t significantly alter the breathalyzer test results. Smart Start’s Devices are designed to detect alcohol molecules with top of the line technology, and attempts to fool them with your alcohol consumption levels are likely to fail.

Why Choose Smart Start as Your Breathalyzer Provider

To understand how to pass a breathalyzer test it’s important to know how our devices and other field sobriety tests work and the factors that influence their results. Smart Start, a leading provider of breathalyzer technology for over 30 years, emphasizes accuracy and compliance. If you find yourself in a situation requiring breathalyzer tests, it’s essential to follow proper guidelines and strategies to ensure passing the test. Drinking plenty of water, waiting a sufficient amount of time, and avoiding alcohol-containing products like mouthwash before the test can also contribute to passing the test successfully. By understanding the science behind breathalyzer tests, you can make informed decisions and get back your driving privileges.

Sources:

1. Medical News Today. (2022). How long do breathalyzers detect alcohol?. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/how-long-does-a-breathalyzer-detect-alcohol
2. Berger, A. (2002). How does it work?: Alcohol breath testing. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.325.7377.1403
3. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. (2023). 2.3 Breath Test Devices. https://www.nhtsa.gov/book/countermeasures/deterrence/23-breath-test-devices