Field performance of current generation breath-alcohol simulators

Area of Science:

• Forensic Science
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Evidential breath-alcohol testing is crucial for law enforcement.
• Ensuring the accuracy and reproducibility of field testing devices is paramount.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the between-run accuracy and reproducibility of vapor-alcohol control tests.
• To assess the suitability of these control tests for field use in evidential breath-alcohol analysis.

Main Methods:

• Vapor-alcohol control samples were generated using TOXITEST II simulators at 34°C across six sites.
• Samples were analyzed using infrared spectrometry with Model 5000-D intoxilyzers in recirculation mode.
• Statistical methods including ANOVA, linear regression, and frequency distributions were employed to analyze results against target concentrations (0.060-0.120 g/210 L).

Main Results:

• The performance of the simulators in the field was found to be satisfactory and comparable to laboratory evaluations.
• Vapor-alcohol control samples met established formal requirements for quality assurance.
• A high degree of accuracy and reproducibility was observed across multiple test sites and runs.

Conclusions:

• Current generation vapor-alcohol simulators provide reliable control samples for field use.
• These control tests are effective quality assurance measures for evidential breath-alcohol analysis.
• The findings support the use of these methods to ensure the integrity of roadside breathalyzer results.