Technical FAQ
In the USA there is a national standard of .080 BAC. Effective December 30, 2018, Utah’s BAC is set at 0.05%.
This can occur quite rapidly, but there are factors such as if there is food in the stomach, or certain medical conditions that can affect the absorption rate.
Yes, there are several online forms available to inquire on information regarding Intoximeters various products and services. While some forms are available for online use only, others may be downloaded to your computer for later use. Just follow the Forms and Catalogs link below for a full summary of all of our available forms.
If you are interested in learning more about Intoximeters range of breath alcohol instruments, our easy to use Product Information Request link will allow you to quickly and easily request the information you are seeking.
Should you have questions or need additional information on Intoximeters products, supplies, training, or service, please contact your local representative by using the Contact Us section of our website or contacting our Customer Service Department at [+1] (314) 429-4000.
The US DOT’s Office of Drug & Alcohol Policy & Compliance website is an excellent place to start.
Electrochemical Sensors, also known as fuel cells, have many advantages that make them attractive for use as the primary sensor in evidential breath testing devices. The fuel cell’s inherent specificity for alcohol makes it a superior means of measuring alcohol in a breath sample. No substance remaining in a subject’s breath after a short deprivation period will create a reaction in the cell – except alcohol. Fuel cells have become recognized in the scientific and forensic community as accurate and reliable.
Many hand sanitizers have alcohol as a primary ingredient. Some are as much as 60% alcohol. The alcohol from the sanitizer will rapidly evaporate after application. To avoid the possibility that alcohol from the use of this product could affect a subject test result, it is best to abstain from testing until after the alcohol has evaporated. We would suggest that waiting 5 to 10 minutes after the sanitizer has dried on the Operator`s hand will eliminate the possibility that residual alcohol from the sanitizer could affect a test result.
To date CLIA has taken the position that breath alcohol testing is not a diagnostic test and therefore is not covered by CLIA. See a position statement from CLIA at the link above.
Yes, NHTSA has a CPL for Alcohol Screening Devices (ASDs). Click the link below to view this list.
The DOT (ODAPC) website has a link to the information. Click the link below to view the latest CPL for screening devices.
If you are interested in distributing product for Intoximeters please fill out and submit the form below.
The basic calculation for a man is [7* Ethanol in the body (in ounces) / Weight (in pounds) = BrAC in gms/210 liters of breath.] To calculate the amount of alcohol in the body, add up the total ethanol consumed and subtract .5 ounces for each hour since consumption. (3 ounces of 80 proof liquor would constitute (3*(.80 / 2)) or 1.2 ounces of pure alcohol.
To calculate the BrAC for a women, do the calculation for a man and multiply by 1.1 times. The average women’s body has more body fat and less water per pound than the average man’s body. Therefore, the same amount of alcohol consumed will be more concentrated in a women’s body who weighed the same as a man.
As you know from the About Alcohol section of this website, the dynamics of alcohol in the human body can be quite complicated and the above formula can only produce a very rough estimate.
While we offer product information for all of our products online, only supplies can be purchased through our online store. Click Order Supplies to learn more about how to order supplies and accessories.
There are many factors which can affect an individual’s alcohol concentration. The factors include, but are not limited to, how much alcohol is in the “drink”, percentage of water composition in the user’s body makeup, recent consumption of food. Try the Drink Wheel for an approximation.
This is dependent upon body size, body composition and rate of absorption.
Intoximeters does not indicate instrument pricing on the website due to the wide variety of instrument software configurations available for differing testing applications. You can request pricing information by completing our Product Information Request (see link below). After review of your information we will send appropriate product information and pricing based on your program needs.
Should you have questions or need additional information on Intoximeters products, supplies, training, or service, please contact your local representative by using the Contact Us section of our website or contacting our Customer Service Department at [+1] (314) 429-4000.
The United States Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) publishes rules and regulations in the Federal Register. However, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s website is a good place to start for information on rules, regulations, and other transportation related policies. The actual rules related to drug and alcohol testing are covered under 49 CFR Part 40.
In addition, Intoximeters offers a variety of training courses specific to workplace testing. The Training Department conducts classes regularly at our St. Louis, Missouri office as well as select regional locations around the United States. Intoximeters workplace training classes are designed to meet the requirements of the U.S. Department of Transportation alcohol testing program as well as non-regulated company policy programs.
Courses also cover testing under other regulatory agencies such as the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the U.S. Department of Energy, and U.S. Coast Guard. Additional information on Intoximeters training courses can be found by clicking here.
Integrating the fuel cell output is a patented method for interpreting the information generated from the sensor. This technique was essential in solving several of the technical issues that caused many to believe that fuel cell instruments would always remain screening instruments. Integration effectively eliminates the “slumping” effect seen in sensing devices that used “peak” analysis techniques. As well, integration has allowed for longer term calibrations.
In order to setup an account, you must either establish credit or pre-pay your product purchase with a credit card or check.
Yes, if you drank enough last night and all of the alcohol in your system had not been eliminated, then your blood and breath would still contain alcohol.
Yes, it can affect the rate of absorption and therefore affect the rate of accumulation of alcohol in the blood.
By clicking on Order Supplies you can view pricing information online and place an order for various consumables and general supplies to support your use of Intoximeters products.
To download our product catalog on Consumables (i.e. mouthpieces, passive cups, ..etc.), click here.
To download our product catalog for General Supplies (i.e. calibration, printer, forms, ..etc), click here.
If you wish to place an order by fax or mail, download an Order Form by clicking here. The form provides the necessary instructions to successfully place an order for these items at your convenience as our fax lines are available 24/7.
Should you have questions or need additional information on Intoximeters products, supplies, training, or service, please contact your local representative by using the Contact Us section of our website or contacting our Customer Service Department at [+1] (314) 429-4000.
Studies show that women may be more vulnerable to the effects of alcohol.
Yes, fuel cells are electrochemical sensors. The electrochemical fuel cell sensor generates an electronic response that is proportional to the Breath Alcohol Concentration in the provided breath sample. The fuel cell sensor is specific for alcohol. It does not respond to acetone or other substances that can be found in human breath.
For information about which instrument will best fit your testing program, please check out our Buyers Guide in the Products section of this website. You will not be able to order the instrument(s) online but you can research the various product options and place your order via fax or mail with our Order Form.
If it is supplies or accessories that you are looking for, our new site helps you narrow down your choices based on which instrument you have. Pictures of the different products are included so you can compare to what you have on hand. View Supplies.
You can always contact our knowledgeable Customer Service staff for additional information.
If you observe a fifteen minute deprivation period prior to testing, we are not aware of anything that will affect alcohol concentrations in your breath.
It depends how much you drink and how well your body metabolizes the alcohol. A general rule of thumb is that a healthy drinker reduces their alcohol concentration by about .015 BrAC per hour.
You can click register on the top right hand corner of the website. Then choose you email and a password. In addition, Intoximeters does not require you to set up an account prior to placing your order. Once you have decided which product(s) you need to order, just fax (+1-314-429-4170) or mail your order to our Customer Service Department and a Customer Service Representative (CSR) will arrange to have a new account set up. Your CSR will then e-mail you an order acknowledgement with the total amount due so you can arrange payment by your preferred method.
There are 2 options for your payment:
- If you wish to establish credit terms with the first order, then we must initiate a credit inquiry. There is a spot at the bottom of our Product Order Form where you may sign to authorize Intoximeters to conduct a credit check. Please note that this may delay processing of your order.
- You may pre-pay your order with a valid check, money order, cashier’s check, or credit card. Intoximeters accepts all major credit cards.
No, regulations concerning the type of devices that can be used for U.S. DOT workplace testing are covered in 49 CFR Part 40 Subpart K of the Federal Register (see link below). The minimum requirement for an instrument to perform a screening test is that it is approved by DOT and listed on the Conforming Products List (CPL) for Screening Devices. However, only a product that has been approved and listed on the CPL for Evidential instruments can be used for confirmation testing.
In addition to being approved on the Evidential CPL, DOT places additional requirements on evidential breath testing (EBT) instruments used for confirmation testing ——— see 49 CFR Part 40.231———-
1. Provides a printed triplicate result or three identical copies of a result for each test;
2. Assigns a unique number to each completed test, which the BAT and employee can read before each test and which is printed on each copy of the
result;
3. Prints on each copy of the result the manufacturer’s name for the device, its serial number, and the time of the test;
4. Distinguishes alcohol from acetone at the .020 alcohol concentration level.
5. Tests an air blank; and
6. Is capable of performing an accuracy check.
Learn more about our complete range of products by clicking the Intoximeters Products link below. To discuss your U.S. DOT/Workplace testing needs with the Intoximeters Training Department call us at (314) 429-4000 or email your questions. You may also contact your regional sales representative for more information.
No, each manufacturer has its own technique to build the sensor and case. Intoximeters uses a patented case design that allows for not only faster cleanup after use, but also the highest degree of accuracy and stability in the industry.
Yes. Click Here to print out a copy of the form.
No. Even mouthwash containing alcohol will dissipate from the mouth after a 15 minute deprivation period.
Not to a degree that would be noticeable to the user.
Yes. One of our representatives would be glad to speak with you about our products, services, and training programs. Please contact your local representative by using the Contact Us section of our website or contacting our Customer Service Department at [+1] (314) 429-4000.
Screening Tests under the U.S. DOT Transportation Workplace Drug and Alcohol Testing Program Procedures are meant to reduce the amount of time needed to conduct alcohol tests given that the vast majority of such tests result in a negative response. Once a donor or subject has been identified the Collector needs to complete Steps 1 and 2 on the Alcohol Testing Form before administering the test. Screening tests can be conducted with any instrument listed on the Conforming Products List for Alcohol Screening Devices or the Conforming Products List for Evidential Breath Testing Instruments by the U.S. DOT.
Confirmation tests are only required after a screening test result of .020 BrAC or greater and a 15 minute observation period. Confirmation tests require that an air blank be performed prior to the donor’s sample to ensure that no alcohol remains in the sampling system of the instrument and that a printout of the result be produced. The confirmation result is the final, evidential result for the donor. See the DOT procedures in 49 CFR Part 40 for a complete explanation. Confirmation tests must be conducted with an instrument listed on DOT’s Conforming Products List (CPL) for Evidential Breath Testing Instruments AND must also meet additional requirements listed in 49 CFR Part 40.231.
Intoximeters offers systems that meet both requirements above, such as the Alco-Sensor® VXL, RBT VXL, Alco-Sensor® IV, Alcomonitor CC, or Intox EC/IR® II instruments. In addition, these products can be ordered with software specific to the requirements of U.S. DOT Transportation Workplace Testing Program that will guide the collector through the testing process from screening test to final confirmation test result to ensure that the minimum requirements for a successful test sequence have been met. More information on these products can be found here.
In addition to a wide range of evidential grade breath alcohol products, Intoximeters offers specific training courses for collectors involved with Workplace Alcohol Testing under U.S. DOT guidelines or under company policy. To learn more about Intoximeters training courses, click here .
We calculate our standard ground shipping charges based on the amount of your order. View Shipping & Tax Information
Items designated as hazardous (HAZ MAT) will incur additional charges. Expedited shipping is available upon request; additional charges will be added to your invoice.
No. Intoximeters instruments use a fuel cell as the primary analytical sensor and the fuel cell sensor only responds to alcohol on the human breath.
Sales can be made directly with Intoximeters as long as your purchase is for use within the United States. For customers located outside of the United States, all instrument and supply purchases should be made through one of our network of regional distributors or by contacting our International Sales Department.
Should you need additional information, please visit Contact Us via our website at to find your local representative or dealer or contact the Customer Service Department at 1-314-429-4000.
Pressurized dry gas standards are considered HAZMAT and you will, at a minimum, have to empty the tank before disposal. Different states have different laws on the disposal of such canisters. You can try contacting your local waste or sanitation company to determine the requirements in your state.
Alternatively, you can contact your state’s Solid Waste Management Office and ask for your local guidelines. You may follow the link below to the EPA Government website to get your state contact information.
You may also follow this link Tank Disposal for more instructions.
Yes, if they had a high enough alcohol concentration on the previous night that their body has not had time to metabolize it all.
It is important to understand that just because an instrument is listed on the U.S. DOT/NHTSA Evidential Conforming Products List (CPL), does not mean it meets all requirements for DOT workplace testing. The U.S. DOT has placed several additional requirements for confirmation tests in 49 CFR Part 40.231, including that the device must provide a printed triplicate result (or three consecutive identical copies of a result) for each breath test.
Though all of Intoximeters instruments are approved on the Evidential CPL, the following systems meet the requirements for both screening and confirmation testing: Alco-Sensor VXL, RBTVXL, Alco-Sensor IV with @Work Software, Alco-Sensor IV with Memory, Alco-Sensor IV/RBTIV, Alcomonitor CC. and Intox EC/IR II.
To discuss your instrument needs please contact the Customer Service Department or your regional sales representative. Click Here for contact information.
Yes, the Intox EC/IR as well as the Alco-Sensor IV / RBT IV are widely used for evidential testing. Most recently, the Alco-Sensor VXL @Point of Arrest System is being introduced as a roadside evidential system.
Applicable state, county, and/or municipal sales tax will be added to your invoice.
Any reading at or above the pre-defined level stated in your testing program’s policies or regulations.
Yes. Intoximeters offers various instruments that will serve the needs for personal use. Our Buyer’s Guide will assist you with additional information and recommendations for a personal use instrument.
Should you have questions or need additional information on Intoximeters products, supplies, training, or service, please complete a Product Information Request or contact our Customer Service Department at [+1] (314) 429-4000.
If you own an Intoximeters instrument, please contact our Customer Service Department to request an appropriate QAP based on the instrument you own.
Interested in learning more about Intoximeters range of products for workplace alcohol testing needs? Click here to view the wide range of solutions we offer.
Electrochemical sensors have limited inherent response to potential interferants. There have been many studies done indicating that naturally occuring compounds in human breath do not significantly affect fuel cells.
All customers can pay by credit card (Mastercard, Visa, American Express, Discover) or by check. Customers that have established credit can receive 30 day terms with a Purchase Order.
You can request 30 day terms with Intoximeters by signing the bottom of the order form to authorize us to perform a credit check. For other questions about credit terms, please contact the Customer Service Department for assistance.
With a breath test instrument, as long as the sampling was preceded by a 15 minute deprivation period, results of 0.01 or above, on a properly calibrated instrument, indicates that alcohol is present. This is consistent with the reporting of blood samples. Blood samples are usually reported as a two digit result (.##) therefore, when using blood, 0.01 is the lowest reported result.
Intoximeters takes into consideration quantity discounting from list price for large volume instrument purchases. To discuss your purchasing needs, please contact your local representative by using the Contact Us section of our website or contacting our Customer Service Department at 1 (314) 429-4000.
