Features to Look For When Purchasing a Digital Breathalyzer
Driving under the influence is not only dangerous to yourself and any passengers that you have in your car, it is also hazardous to other people that are on the road. Thus, drinking and driving is a punishable crime. But what some people take for granted is thinking they will know when their motor skills are impaired when, in reality, it is next to impossible to gauge by yourself if you have drunk too much, even if you have simply had a couple of glasses of your drink of choice.
Therefore, if you want to make sure that you are on the safe side at all times, you could be deliberating on the purchase of a digital breathalyzer. These personal products have evolved over the years to provide the same accuracy as the official products utilized by the authorities. In order to ensure that you are measuring your blood alcohol content correctly, you need to find the right type of breathalyzer. To help you narrow down your options, here are some of the features to look for when purchasing a digital breathalyzer.
Fuel cell sensor technology
When shopping around for a digital breathalyzer, there will be two main technologies available to you. The first is the fuel cell sensor, which is often recognized as the more accurate option, as it is the standard technology used by employers, medical facilities, and law enforcement. The second option is the semiconductor oxide sensor technology, which is not as precise as its fuel cell counterpart but is the more economical choice. Thus, while you will save money with the semiconductor breathalyzers, you should not take the risk if you want accurate blood alcohol content results each time you test yourself.
Active testing
The second feature to look for when purchasing a digital breathalyzer is active testing. Active testing refers to one of the techniques employed by the device when analyzing your breath. In this case, you will need to blow directly into the device in order to collect and measure the sample. Passive testing, on the other hand, allows you to blow into the device from a few inches away so your lips do not come into contact with the breathalyzer. While passive testing may sound more sanitary, you should bear in mind that it also presents an opportunity for the sample to get contaminated, since it will interact with the surrounding air. Hence, active testing is considered the more accurate method of testing when compared to its passive counterpart.
For more information about which type of digital breathalyzer you should invest in, contact a local business, such as Think Twice, to learn more.