Most people think that you breathe into the breathalyzer, it shows the results, and that is it. However, it is important to consider whether these breathalyzer tests are always accurate. This particular question has sparked questions and debates among law enforcement agencies, legal experts, and individuals who were asked to pull up for a DUI check.
A breath test determines if there is a certain amount of alcohol in your blood. However, there are several factors that can affect the results of this test. Unfortunately, breath tests conducted by the police have not become any more accurate than they were a few years ago. Consult with an attorney to get more information about your case.
Things that can affect the accuracy of a breath test
- Asthma medications.
Certain medications can affect the accuracy of a breathalyzer test, including asthma medications. For example, albuterol, salmeterol, and budesonide. Many pharmaceutical companies release these medications with varying brand names. Therefore, you should consult with your physician about what your asthma inhaler or pills contain. This is even more important if you had recently taken your pills or used your inhaler before the breath test.
- Humidity.
People find this hard to believe, but the humidity in their breath and the environment can affect the breath test results. This is because alcohol gets easily dissolved in water. On a hot and humid day, the chances of a higher reading on your BAC level are higher than when weather conditions are cold and dry.
- Human error.
Human error is still one of the most significant reasons for an inaccurate breath test result. When someone does not calibrate or maintain the device properly, it can malfunction and show false readings. Moreover, the police officer giving you the test must know how to operate the device.
- Mouthwash and breath spray.
It is common knowledge that dental mouthwashes and breath-refreshing sprays contain alcohol. Alcohol sterilizes your mouth and thus is included in many oral hygiene products. Therefore, it is not surprising for a breath test to show alcohol in your breath if you have recently used one of such products before or while driving.
- 50% margin of error.
Police officials and even normal citizens seem to forget that breathalyzers have an error margin of about 50%. This means that half of the time, the test may not show true results. This is very problematic for drivers because 1 reading can mean a BAC between 0.5 and 0.15. This can be the difference between no charges and a DUI/DWI charge.
If you were wrongfully arrested or charged for a DUI, consult with an attorney today.
