The beginner’s guide to personal breathalysers

Personal breathalysers have become increasingly popular among individuals who want to take control of their drinking choices and ensure safety on the road. Whether you’re attending a party, going out with friends, or simply want to monitor your alcohol intake, a personal breathalyser is a useful tool.

However, it's important to use breathalysers correctly to ensure accurate blood alcohol concentration (BAC) estimation.

What is a personal breathalyser?

A personal breathalyser is a portable, handheld device that measures your BAC reading from a breath sample. BAC is the amount of alcohol in your bloodstream and is typically used to determine whether it's safe to drive after drinking.

For most fully-licenced Australian drivers, the legal driving BAC limit is .05%BAC. However, even a little bit of alcohol can cause impairments, so if you plan to drink alcohol, don’t plan to drive.

READ MORE: Effects of alcohol on driving

There are two main types of personal breathalysers: semiconductor and fuel cell sensor breathalysers.

• Semiconductor breathalysers: Typically more affordable but can be less accurate when measuring high BAC levels.
• Fuel cell sensor breathalysers: More accurate and are often used by law enforcement and workplaces due to their reliability.?

COMPARISON: Semiconductor vs Fuel Cell technology

Due to technological advancements, fuel cell breathalysers have also been used in many personal breathalyser units, including AlcoSense breathalysers.

How is a personal breathalyser different from an industrial breathalyser?

Personal and industrial breathalysers differ in a few key aspects: technology, features, and durability. Here's a breakdown:

Technology

Personal Breathalysers: Often use either semiconductor or fuel cell sensors.

Industrial Breathalysers: Almost exclusively use fuel cell sensors, known for their superior precision, especially at higher alcohol levels. These units also use an industrial or police-grade fuel cell that is more precise than personal units.

Durability

Personal Breathalysers: They are compact and portable but not built for heavy wear and tear. They are generally less rugged than their industrial counterparts.

Industrial Breathalysers: Built for frequent, demanding use. They feature robust construction and are designed to withstand harsh environments.

Features

Personal Breathalysers: Focus on ease of use, portability, and basic functionality, often with simple displays and minimal data tracking.

Industrial Breathalysers: Offer advanced features like data logging, tamper-proof designs, and connectivity options (e.g., printers, cloud systems), catering to high-volume testing and professional record-keeping needs.

How do personal breathalysers work?

Directions for breathalyser use may differ by brand and model but it is generally simple and straightforward.?

1. Turn on the breathalyser: Wait for the device to warm up and be ready for use. This typically takes a few seconds.
2. Blow into the mouthpiece: Follow the instructions to provide a steady breath sample. Most devices will prompt you to blow for several seconds.
3. Read the result: The breathalyser will display your BAC level on the screen, usually within seconds. You can then compare this reading to the legal limits in your area.

This easy-to-use process makes personal breathalysers convenient for quickly checking your BAC level before making decisions like driving.

LEARN MORE: How does a breathalyser work?

Why should you use a personal breathalyser?

Personal breathalysers are more than just gadgets—they are life saving tools. Here are some key reasons to use one:

• Safety: The most important reason to use a personal breathalyser is to prevent driving under the influence. Even if you feel fine, alcohol can impair your judgement, and a breathalyser provides an objective measure of your BAC.
• Legal protection: Each country and state has legal BAC limits for drivers. In Australia, the legal BAC limit for fully licenced drivers is 0.05%. Personal breathalysers can help ensure you stay within this limit, protecting you from legal penalties.
• Peace of mind: Differing experiences can impact your ability to accurately gauge your impairment levels. A personal breathalyser helps you understand how these factors influence your BAC and provides peace of mind by letting you monitor your alcohol levels and make informed decisions.

Choosing the right personal breathalyser

When selecting a personal breathalyser, accuracy is key. Here’s what to consider:

• Accuracy: Fuel cell breathalysers are known for their accuracy, making them ideal for more frequent users or those who need reliable results. Semiconductor models are still a good option for occasional use but may not be as precise.
• Key features: Look for breathalysers that offer features like quick response time, user-friendly interfaces, and the ability to store previous readings. Some breathalysers even connect to your smartphone via apps for more detailed tracking.
• Popular models: Andatech offers a range of reliable breathalysers, including models like the AlcoSense Elite 3 BT, known for its compact design, accurate fuel cell technology, and mobile phone pairing or the user-friendly AlcoSense Verity.

If you're ready to find the right breathalyser for your needs, explore our range of Anadatech and AlcoSense breathalysers. From compact personal models to high-performance industrial devices, we have options for every situation.