How Does a Breathalyzer Work?
The breath-testing machines used by Arizona police officers to test drivers for alcohol go by several different brand names, including Breathalyzer and Datamaster.
How Do Breath Testing Machines Work?
Each device operates similarly.
The machine uses a sample of a driver’s breath to test blood alcohol concentration (BAC). A breath sample may be used because as the alcohol in the blood circulates through the lungs, some of it is pulled into the airways when the person exhales. In Arizona, a driver may face a driving while under the influence charge (DUI) if his or her BAC is more than 0.08 percent and exhibits impaired driving.
Breath-testing machines use various means to detect and measure the alcohol in the exhaled air from a driver’s lungs. The original Breathalyzer collects the breath sample and pushes it through a chemical process that produces chromium ions. The machine then measures the concentration of ions, which translates to a specific BAC. Other machines, like the Intoxilyzer, use an infrared beam. The breath sample is passed through the beam, and a sensor detects whether alcohol is present depending on how the wavelength of the beam changes.
One thing all breath-testing machines have in common is the need to be maintained and calibrated regularly in order to give accurate test results. Consequently, the state of the breath-testing machine may be crucial in proving or disproving drunk-driving charges.
If you are facing drunk driving charges in Arizona, do not hesitate to contact the dedicated Arizona DWI defense attorneys at Mushkatel, Robbins & Becker, PLLC to help you build a defense that protects your legal rights and fights for the best possible outcome in your case.
About the Author
Zachary Mushkatel discovered his affinity for the law by chance. As a political science major at the University of Arizona, he first aspired to become a professor. But an unexpected invitation to participate on a mock trial team at the university encouraged him to turn his competitive spirit and drive…
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