Defense of the Week Archives

Body Temperature

The Breathalyzer is based upon Henry's Law which requires that the temperature the breath be at a constant temperature. In an attempt to achieve this, the machine heats itself to 34°C prior to testing. The temperature of 34°C is used as this is the estimated temperature of the last part of the exhaled breath when it reaches the machine. This represents a drop in temperature during exhalation from an assumed body temperature of 37°C or 98.6°F. The machines assumptions may lead to erroneous results. The "normal" average human body temperature of 98.6 can vary by several degrees over a 24-hour period[1]. Different people have different "normal" temperatures. Because not everyone is average and body temperature varies within a person we cannot be sure that the temperature is constant and the reading is accurate. If the machine warms up to higher that 34°C. or the breath sample from the test subject is higher than the temperature the machine is set up to warm up to, then the reading will be falsely high.

Have you taken a breathalizer?
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If so, what was the result?

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Were you involved in an accident?
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If yes, was anyone hurt?
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Were any of the following field sobriety tests performed (check all that apply)?
Breathalizer Alphabet Counting Balance
Nose

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