Blood Alcohol Testing

Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) is considered to be the standard for measuring the degree to which an individual is impaired by alcohol. For years, studies have shown that there is a direct correlation between the blood alcohol concentration and the degree to which reactions and judgments are impaired. The methodology used for blood alcohol testing is Gas Chromatography and is the most accurate forensic quality test in the industry today. However, drawing blood is an invasive and expensive procedure that most companies prefer to avoid.

Breath Alcohol Testing

It is well proven that there is a direct correlation between a person's blood alcohol concentration and the breath alcohol content. There are several types of breath alcohol testing devices available today. These range from disposable screening testers to the equipment that provides legally admissible test results, or devices ideal for screening purpose by companies as well as individuals. These types of testers fall into three categories:

  • Evidential Breath Testing Devices
  • Non Evidential or Screening Only Devices, Usually Portable /Hand Held
  • Disposable Devices For Forensic And Non Forensic Results
 

The evidential breath testing devices are generally expensive, require regular maintenance, repair and calibration, and must be operated by Certified Personnel.

.
 

Urine Alcohol Testing

Although urine alcohol testing will indicate the presence of alcohol in a person's body, it will not indicate an individual's current condition. Once consumed, alcohol enters the blood through the stomach wall within 15 minutes, causing immediate impairment. It is then metabolized by the liver enzyme and, after 1½ to 2 hours, it will begin to show up in the urine. Therefore, urine alcohol does not measure a true condition of the person. The results indicate the person's condition several hours before.


 
 

Saliva
Alcohol
Testing

The second type of disposable tester available today tests the saliva for alcohol presence. Although a correlation between blood alcohol concentration and saliva alcohol concentration is believed to exist, the technology and chemical reaction employed has not been proven to be accurate or reliable.