| Blood alcohol testing can be highly controversial. | | | | falsely identified as ethyl alcohol by breath |
| Breath and blood tests are most commonly used | | | | machines. However, as technology improves new |
| with blood tests considered the most accurate. | | | | machines such as the Draeger Breathlyzer are |
| However, there is room for error in both tests. | | | | able to filter out acetone. In addition, Spanish |
| The most significant concern which should be | | | | scientists found inhalers used by asthma patients |
| raised in regards to blood testing is t he type of | | | | to cause interference in breath tests. |
| blood. Some tests use "whole blood" while others | | | | A common cause of false breathalyzer readings is |
| use "blood serum". Police crime labs will use "whole | | | | mouth alcohol. The breathalyzer is intended to |
| blood". However, there are many clinics and | | | | measure the amount of alcohol from a breath |
| hospitals that utilize "blood serum" in their tests. | | | | sample that came from alveolar air, meaning air |
| Tests with "blood serum" have resulted in figures | | | | exhaled from lungs. However, alcohol can come |
| that are 25%-33% higher than those conducted | | | | from the mouth, throat, or stomach to interfere |
| with "whole blood" test sample. In addition, error | | | | with the reading. In order to combat this, certified |
| can occur due to an alcohol swab used to | | | | breath test operators are to observe the test |
| disinfect the skin before the sample is drawn. | | | | subject for a minimum of 15 minimum before |
| It is also important to be aware of breath test | | | | conducting the breath test. The alcohol meant to |
| errors. The breath testers are delicate and must | | | | be analyzed by the test is to have gone through |
| be adjusted for surrounding temperature. | | | | the stomach and intestines and passed through |
| There are several compounds which can interfere | | | | the blood eventually reaching the lungs. Even if an |
| with breathalyzers. According to the National | | | | individual hasn't been recently drinking, burping can |
| Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) | | | | still cause the alcohol to come up to the mouth. |
| diabetics and dieters may have levels of acetone | | | | Acid reflux can also be a contributing factor. Other |
| that are hundreds to even thousands higher than | | | | causes of mouth alcohol are dentures and |
| others. This is problematic as acetone can by | | | | passionate kissing with an intoxicated person. |