The Six Questions People Ask About Home Breathalyzers
So you are thinking about buying a personal breathalyzer? But you have some questions.
Here are the six questions most commonly asked by potential purchasers.
1.
Do I really need it? Actually, breath testers can be more useful than you might imagine.
People can vary quite dramatically in their alcohol tolerance levels.
You may think you are sober but in fact be well over the limit.
2.
So my breathalyzer tells me I am under the limit - am I really safe to drive home? No, these devices are good, but not perfect.
Use it as a screening tool, but if you have had any alcohol at all you should be wary about driving.
3.
What is this about FDA clearance? All the most reputable devices are cleared by the FDA, which means that it has reviewed detailed product information and accuracy testing data.
For peace of mind do not buy a model that does not have this clearance.
4.
How do I use it? Blow through the mouthpiece for about five seconds.
Sensors measure the alcohol level in your breath and then provide a Blood Alcohol Content estimate.
For the best results it is advisable that you do not eat or drink for about 15 minutes before taking the test.
5.
Do I really need a mouthpiece? Some models do not require them.
But this means that external air can become mixed with your breath, leading to false readings.
6 Will my device need to be re-calibrated? Yes, the better models need to be sent away every year or so to be re-calibrated, to ensure their accuracy.
Here are the six questions most commonly asked by potential purchasers.
1.
Do I really need it? Actually, breath testers can be more useful than you might imagine.
People can vary quite dramatically in their alcohol tolerance levels.
You may think you are sober but in fact be well over the limit.
2.
So my breathalyzer tells me I am under the limit - am I really safe to drive home? No, these devices are good, but not perfect.
Use it as a screening tool, but if you have had any alcohol at all you should be wary about driving.
3.
What is this about FDA clearance? All the most reputable devices are cleared by the FDA, which means that it has reviewed detailed product information and accuracy testing data.
For peace of mind do not buy a model that does not have this clearance.
4.
How do I use it? Blow through the mouthpiece for about five seconds.
Sensors measure the alcohol level in your breath and then provide a Blood Alcohol Content estimate.
For the best results it is advisable that you do not eat or drink for about 15 minutes before taking the test.
5.
Do I really need a mouthpiece? Some models do not require them.
But this means that external air can become mixed with your breath, leading to false readings.
6 Will my device need to be re-calibrated? Yes, the better models need to be sent away every year or so to be re-calibrated, to ensure their accuracy.
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