Breath Alcohol Testing
Earlier alcohol testing was done through blood. A blood sample was drawn and analyzed for alcohol. However, as science evolved it was soon found out that the amount of alcohol could be found out by testing urine, saliva and deep breath from the lungs.
Unlike food, alcohol gets directly absorbed into your bloodstream. 85% of the absorbed alcohol gets metabolized by the liver. Part of the alcohol consumed gets evaporated by the breath and is exhaled while breathing.
Breath alcohol testing measures the amount of alcohol in the body. This is done by measuring the alcohol that is exhaled while normal breathing as a part of alcohol consumed gets evaporated through our breaths.
There are number of instruments that can test the breath alcohol levels. They can be disposable screening testers or hand held devices to digital read out breath alcohol monitors. All these instruments and gadgets are used by the police departments and laboratories.
One of the most common testers used is a balloon and glass tube with yellow crystals. These crystals turn green when they come in contact with alcohol molecules. In the event that you are caught drunk driving, you will be asked to exhale into the balloon in one long continuous breath. The mouth of the blown balloon is then fitted on to the glass tube. Depending on number of bands in the tube that turn from yellow to green will determine the alcohol content of your blood.
If the police are using a calibrated alcohol tester, then you will be asked to blow into a straw or a mouthpiece. This tester will display the alcohol levels digitally. This device is presumed to be more accurate than the balloon breathalyzer. |
