Details:

Alternative Title:
Special testing for possible carry over effects using the Intoximeters, Inc. Alco-Sensor IV at ten degrees celsius
Creators:
Conde, Edward
Corporate Creators:
John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (U.S.)
Corporate Contributors:
United States. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Subject/TRT Terms:
[+]
Accuracy Alcohol Breath Tests Drunk Driving Equipment Tests Evidence
Publication/ Report Number:
DOT-HS-809-424
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21949/1525521
Resource Type:
Tech Report
Edition:
Technical note
Contracting Officer:
Frank, James F.
Corporate Publisher:
United States. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Abstract:
Laboratory testing showed that when simulator samples at 0.170 grams of ethanol per 210 liters were repeatedly tested with an Intoximeters, Ins. Alco-Sensor IV at 10 degrees C ambient temperature, some ethanol and water eventually condensed onto the cool airway surfaces of the instrument. When the instrument was operated in screener mode without any heating element and without proper protocols, some of this alcoholic condensate carried over to subsequent screening tests. However, no carry over was seen when the Alco-Sensor IV was operated in the evidential mode, or when the optional CEM heating accessory was used, or when proper test protocols were used. The results show that the possibility for the occurrence of carry over in breath testing must be addressed when operating at low ambient temperatures, particularly when using unheated breath testers. The results also show that the potential for carry over can be eliminated easily by using procedural controls, such as performing an air blank before the test, or by testing two separate breath samples and/or by using a warm air flushing of the breath tester airway. A table listing all breath testers on both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Conforming Products List (CPL) for Screening Devices, as well as the Evidential Breath Tester CPL indicates whether specific devices have a built-in heater, or a flushing pump, and whether the instructions accompanying them address the possibility of alcohol carry over during low temperature operations. /Abstract from report summary page/
Format:
PDF
Funding:
PPA-234
Collection(s):
NHTSA - Behavioral Safety Research Volpe
Main Document Checksum:
[+]
urn:sha256:042702d284bd524a4f9026c3a8a4995a7c9fe2a962c489ec163d67d6bb80aeeb
Download URL:
https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/1733/dot_1733_DS1.pdf
File Type:

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