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What Can Cause Breath Tester Mistakes?

Written by Robin Saunders Thursday, 17 December 2009 10:09

Many people that haven't consumed alcohol have failed roadside breathalyzer tests. There are many factors that could cause someone to fail this test. If you consume some of the energy drinks too soon before the test, a false reading could result. There are other products that can cause a false positive if taken too close to the test.

Many people that haven't consumed alcohol have failed roadside breathalyzer tests. There are many factors that could cause someone to fail this test. If you consume some of the energy drinks too soon before the test, a false reading could result. There are other products that can cause a false positive if taken too close to the test.

Mouthwash normally won't cause a test to be positive unless you have been drinking the mouthwash before you were pulled over. There are some breath mints that will deliver a false reading, but many mints would have to be eaten to cause such a problem. It's possible to get a false reading if you've been taking over the counter cold medications because many of these products actually have alcohol in them.

Breath testers tend to be very sensitive to a number of different things like breathing patterns and temperature. If the machines not properly calibrated, you're too warm, or if you try to hold your breath you may produce a false reading. There are instances where the breath tester will pass you if you've been hyperventilating or exercising. Additionally, someone with a lower hematocrit which is the cell volume of the blood could have a positive result. This affects more women than men because they have a lower cell count than men do.

Some people with various health issues may fail a field test that uses a breath tester. Some diabetics have higher acetone levels than other people which can result in a false reading. Some people's bodies naturally produce alcohol and these people will likely fail a test. Excessive burping, acid reflux, and other ailments can produce alcohol in the mouth which can cause a false positive. Anyone that has these types of health issues should immediately tell the office if pulled over.

Breath testers with worn out fuel cell sensors and those with improper calibration can cause false positives. Machines that use new technologies can self calibrate or allow the office to quickly change a sensor. If a person gets a positive result and feels that this may be the cause, they should demand that the test be given again after the breath tester has been calibrated or the sensor changed.

Many older models have problems distinguishing from real alcohol, and compounds that may be similar to alcohol, and these can throw off a test. Whether or not you give a false positive, it can depend on many factors, and if you think you have given a false positive, it is your right to demand that it be done over again. Nothing is perfectly accurate 100% of the time, and many who have tested positive on scene, test negative at the station.