An in vitro study of the effects of acetaldehyde on Intoxilyzer 4011AS-A results

A series of practical experiments were conducted to determine whether physiologic concentrations of acetaldehyde could produce an apparent ethanol concentration in breath alcohol analyses using the Intoxilyzer 4011AS-A. Aqueous ethanol:acetaldehyde standards were prepared and analyzed following the same protocol used for testing individuals arrested for driving while intoxicated. The average response of the Intoxilyzer to concentrations of acetaldehyde vapor are reported. Results clearly demonstrate that physiologic breath concentrations of acetaldehyde will not significantly affect the results of a breath alcohol test when an Intoxilyzer 4011AS-A is used for the analysis.