Digital Breathalyzer Key Characteristics

When looking for a digital breathalyzer, there are a few key design characteristics that separate the quality models from some of the cheaper rip-offs. Don't let price or size fool you either. These things are never indicators of whether or not a particular breathalyzer is a good pick since many of the lower priced, mini breathalyzers provide very accurate, reliable results. The more digits present on the screen, the more specific a breathalyzer result will be, so go for a device that features a four-digit display. A digital breathalyzer with more digits on the display is a great tool in a zero-tolerance environment where the detection of even trace amounts of alcohol is very important.

Any digital breathalyzer has the potential for experiencing problems in accuracy due to changes in ambient temperature, surrounding air temperature, and temperature of the person giving a breath sample. This is partly the reason a breathalyzer must go through an internal clearing procedure during the startup process. Because of this sensitivity to various temperatures, look for a device that features internal air pumps for regulating incoming air flow and also temperature-checking ability that warns of rapid temperature changes.

Many of the newer devices feature what is known as "fuel-cell technology" for detecting alcohol particles in the breath. In a fuel cell digital breathalyzer, internal platinum plates produce a chemical reaction as the alcohol particles oxidize. This process results in an electrical current which aides in giving an extremely accurate reading. With fuel-cell technology, false readings are greatly reduced, typically a result of acetone in the breath of diabetics or those on a strict low-calorie diet. Typical breathalyzers work by using semi-conductors to oxidize the incoming alcohol particles but are more susceptible to false positive readings. This is not to say that semi-conductor based breathalyzers are not accurate or reliable. It's just that they require greater level of care and maintenance and they require at least 15 minutes after a person's last drink before taking a breath sample.

Although some digital breathalyzers do not require disposable mouthpieces, you may still want to go with the type that does use a mouthpiece for the simple fact they are much more sanitary, especially if there is a possibility of more than one user. Most mini digital breathalyzers require no mouthpiece, and many of the mini breathalyzers are very high in quality in comparison to some of the larger clinical type devices. In fact, there are even mini breathalyzer that connect to an iPhone, and other small devices that conveniently fasten to a keychain.

Using a digital breathalyzer, it is a fairly simple process to quickly collect a blood alcohol content (BAC) estimation. In most devices, the initial step in the process is to turn on the breathalyzer, which in most cases begins a clearing process. Some breathalyzers require a disposable mouthpiece, but others require no actual contact with the device so a mouthpiece wont be necessary. You will hear some interior movement which is the device clearing whatever air or other contaminants may be present within the device. A typical digital breathalyzer will display a zero when it is ready to collect a breath sample. The subject of the BAC test should blow into the device for approximately five seconds in most devices, but typically some sort of indicator will activate alerting that the BAC reading is ready.

Owning a digital breathalyzer is the best way to ensure you remain safe from a possible DUI arrest. Just be sure you actually use your device and keep it properly maintained. To read more about the subject of this article you can find more information at Digital Alcohol Breath Tester. Body fat percentage is an aspect of what constitutes a total blood alcohol content reading. Read ElectronicBodyFatScale.com to learn more about body fat percentage calculating devices.