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Related Experiment Videos

Field performance of current generation breath-alcohol simulators.

K M Dubowski1, N A Essary

  • 1Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City 73190.

Journal of Analytical Toxicology
|September 1, 1992
PubMed
Summary

Vapor-alcohol control tests demonstrate reliable accuracy and reproducibility for evidential breath-alcohol testing in field settings. These tests meet formal requirements and serve as effective quality assurance for breathalyzer analysis.

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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).

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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.