Despite breathalysers being a common tool by law enforcement officers, employers, healthcare officials and even everyday Australians to measure one’s blood alcohol content (BAC). Despite their prevalence in society, there are still many misconceptions about how they work and how accurate they can be in estimating a person’s intoxication level.
These misconceptions can lead to confusion and even legal issues so it’s important to clear them up. In this blog post, we’ll debunk some of the most common misconceptions about breathalysers and help better understand their role in ensuring safety and sobriety.
Misconception 1: Breathalysers are 100% accurate
Just like any measuring device, breathalysers are also not 100% and can be influenced by many external factors such as the presence of foreign substances, environmental conditions, health conditions, the condition of the breathalyser, and many other factors.
One of the main factors that can affect the accuracy of breathalysers is whether or not it has been calibrated regularly according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Andatech and AlcoSense breathalysers are to be calibrated every six months for accuracy to be maintained. Regular calibration will also see the initial 3-year warranty extended to a lifetime guarantee.
Another common factor that affects accuracy is the presence of certain substances in the breath, such as mouthwash or breath fresheners that may contain alcohol. These factors may result in false positives or false negatives.
Although AlcoSense and Andatech breathalysers have high levels of accuracy, it’s important to understand their limitations and operate them free from any contaminants and other external factors.
Read more: 5 factors that affect breathalyser accuracy
Misconception 2: Breathalysers are too expensive for personal use
Breathalysers are sophisticated devices that may seem too expensive for personal use. Many people assume that breathalysers are only affordable to larger organisations that require frequent testing. However, the truth is that breathalysers are now widely available for purchase across Australia.
The AlcoSense Novo personal breathalyser is Australian Standard certified, is priced at $149 and is the perfect breathalyser for first-time breathalyser owners.
Owning a personal breathalyser can bring about a world of benefits. For one, it can help you make informed decisions about your alcohol consumption. By knowing your BAC level, you’ll be able to make responsible choices about when it is safe to drive or operate heavy machinery.
Breathalysers are also able to help people monitor their BAC levels if they are trying to cut back on drinking or looking to recover from alcohol addiction.
Overall, the misconception that breathalysers are too expensive for personal use is simply not true. With a range of affordable options available on the market, owning a personal breathalyser can provide a range of health benefits and help you make informed decisions related to alcohol consumption.
Misconception 3: Breathalysers can be fooled by certain tactics
Over the past years, many myths on how to cheat a breathalyser test have come to light, such as holding your breath, hyperventilating, using mouthwash, and even drinking coffee will be able to help a person beat an alcohol breath test. In reality, these tactics may only mask the smell of alcohol but will not eliminate the presence of alcohol within the breath.
Some tactics, however, may skew the results temporarily, breathalysers are designed to detect the presence of alcohol in the breath, and any attempts to deceive them are likely to be unsuccessful.
Read more: Avoid believing in these breathalyser myths
To sum things up, including the ones listed above, there are many other misconceptions surrounding breathalysers that can cause confusion and prevent people from using them effectively. It’s important to recognise that while breathalysers are not perfect, they are still valuable and reliable tools for measuring BAC levels and promoting safety on the roads and in the workplace.
It’s also crucial to understand that many of the misconceptions about breathalysers are based on false information and misunderstanding.
If you’re considering purchasing a breathalyser, be sure to conduct sufficient research and choose a reliable device that provides accurate results. With the right device and a little bit of knowledge, you can use a breathalyser to keep yourself and others safe and avoid the consequences of drunk driving or workplace impairment.
Browse through the wide collection of Andatech industrial breathalysers and AlcoSense personal breathalysers to start creating a safer Australia today.
For more information on alcohol and drug testing in Australia, check out the following resources:
