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There are 2 types of breathalyzers in the market -fuel cell and semiconductor.

Semiconductor breathalyzers are the most popular and least expensive. You generally find these in Sam’s, Walmart, Amazon, etc.

The problem with semiconductor breathalyzers is that they are highly inaccurate and unreliable.

What’s the point of buying a breathalyzer if it’s inaccurate and unreliable?

A recent paper by Lifeloc Technologies revealed a study they had done on some of the most popular semiconductor breathalyzers in the market. Within their report, they stated:

“None of the 5 semiconductor devices tested were determined to be sufficiently accurate to be useful in the determination or management of BAC.”

Device readings ranged from 30% lower up to 65% higher than the test subjects mean BAC at the time of the testing. In an average 180 pound male this margin error is roughly equivalent to the difference between 1 drink per hour up to 2.5 drinks per hour.”

THIS IS A BIG MARGIN OF ERROR

Read the Report Here

First, they are highly inaccurate.

Second, they aren’t cheap

THESE ARE THE MODELS THAT WERE TESTED IN THE STUDY

FUEL CELL BREATHALYERS

Fuel cell breathalyzers are the technology that law enforcement agencies use. These have been found to be much more accurate. However, they are also much more expensive and the investment will begin around $200.

When purchasing a breathalyzer, you also need to be cognizant that some require calibration. This means that you will be required to send the unit to the manufacturer once or twice a year to have the device calibrated. It’s a bit cumbersome as you need to estimate when you need to send the device  (depends on the number of times you blow into it) and you have to go through the hassle of going to the Post Office and then not having a breathalyzer for a couple of weeks.

“Online Breathalyzers” or BAC Calculators

A third alcohol test is a BAC Calculator. These are calculators where you can type in your specific information and it will calculate your BAC level. There are many free BAC Calculators on the internet today as well as apps.  It’s very difficult to determine how accurate the calculators are as nobody identifies on what they based their calculations. We’re guessing that the majority use the Watson or Wilkins formula – see here for an explanation.

 Differences between a Breathalyzer and a BAC Calculator

A breathalyzer can only tell you what your blood alcohol content is at the moment that you are blowing into the device. Your blood alcohol content will change over the course of a very short time. This means that if you’ve been drinking and register below a .08%, you’re going to need to check your blood alcohol content frequently to be sure you aren’t going over the limit.

A BAC Calculator can help you visually see how long it will take to reach the max BAC (Blood alcohol content) level as well as how long it will take to become sober or able to drive. This is an important benefit as many people don’t realize how long it takes to get to the max BAC level as well as how long it takes to get to a 0% blood alcohol content level.

Social Stigmas:

Unfortunately there is a bit of a social stigma in using a breathalyzer in front of a group of people as an alcohol test. Either people are going to use it as a game or they might just look at you strange. Kudos to those who don’t care….but the majority of people do feel inhibited. Going into the bathroom to blow into the breathalyzer is also a bit of a inconvenience.

With a BAC Calculator, you can use your smart phone to track this information. You can use it to show friends – and make it a fun experience – or you can keep it quiet and use it for yourself. At least you have an option.

Price

As mentioned above, a high quality breathalyzer is an excellent option but is expensive.

A BAC Calculator such as ours will give you a good guideline of your blood alcohol content limits. Our BAC calculator is also extremely affordable.

Please click here to try our BAC Calculator.