| What is the difference between a semi conductor sensor and a fuel cell sensor? |
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Semiconductor Sensors commonly use a tin-oxide substance and are more economical. They are commonly used in Alcohol Screening Devices. Fuel Cell sensors commonly use platinum metal and are higher cost. Also, they are more specific for ethyl alcohol and reduce false positives from substances such as ketones that are similar in chemical structure to alcohol. They are commonly used in evidential grade devices
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What is the difference between a screener, an evidential unit, and a workplace tester? |
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A screener is a unit that can screen individuals for the “presence” of alcohol. A screener is also commonly used for personal use. An evidential unit is a fuel cell sensor that is also used for screening purposes, but will generally be within +/- .005% BAC all the way up to .400%. A workplace tester is a unit that is a fuel cell unit that can do an air blank, print, and do confirmation tests. A workplace unit is used for companies/people who do alcohol testing on people for Random, Pre-Employment, Reasonable Suspicion, Post-Accident, Return to Duty, and Follow Up.
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How accurate are breath alcohol detectors (a/k/a breathalyzers)? |
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Every alcohol detector has a margin of error. However, it's safe to say that the greater the price, the greater the accuracy and specificity. For more information about the types of units available, compare our products in our Comparison Chart link to the resource page.
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What are the requirements of a unit if I am conducting workplace testing? |
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The unit must be able to take an air blank, print, do confirmation tests and have portable equipment to do calibrations. A testing policy is also required.
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WWhat model do I need to test my employees for the presence of alcohol? |
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If the testing is on safety sensitive employees, it is regulated by the DOT. The type of unit needed is a workplace tester such as the EV30 or Phoenix 6.0. If the testing is for NON-DOT testing, then the FC Series or the AlcoHAWK® series would meet your needs as a screener.
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What model(s) are used by law enforcement officials for preliminary screening devices? |
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An evidential unit is ideal for law
enforcement officials throughout the U.S. The FC Series, SD-5, and AlcoSensor models
are commonly used by police officers. For a comparison of these models, click here. In addition, several
law enforcement officials are now using the AlcoHAWK® as their preliminary screening device because the
semiconductor technology is more affordable than fuel cell technology.
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Do alcohol detectors have to be calibrated? |
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Over time, all alcohol testers need to be recalibrated or have the sensor replaced. Calibration is a process where you program the internal software so that it can gauge specific BAC levels. If the sensor becomes saturated, then the results can become skewed. This is because the unit was originally calibrated when the sensor was unsaturated. This process is sort of like winding a clock. When the clock is first set it displays accurate time. However, over time the clock gradually drifts a few minutes, and eventually can be off by quite a bit if you do not occasionally reset the clock. When selecting an alcohol tester, it is imperative to select a unit that is capable of being calibrated.
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Is my blood alcohol concentration (BAC) the only factor in determining whether I can get a drunk driving charge? |
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No. Most states generally look for factors that reflect your impairment. BAC is a guideline approach used by police departments; however, you can receive a drunk driving or reckless driving charge even if your BAC is below the legal limit if you are impaired.
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What is the advantage of a device that displays BAC readings to the thousandth decimal place (i.e., .000%) versus a device that displays BAC readings to the hundredth decimal place (i.e., .00%)? |
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Breath alcohol testers that offer BAC readings to the hundredth decimal place (i.e., .00%) often do so by rounding the digit that would otherwise appear in the thousandth decimal place. For instance, if a person’s blood alcohol content is .075%, then a device that displays readings to the hundredth decimal place (i.e., .00%) would round up the final digit and the device would display .08%. Similarly, if a person’s blood alcohol content is .084%, then a device that displays readings to the hundredth decimal place (i.e., 00%) would round down the final digital and the device would display .08%. Devices that offer readings to the thousandth decimal place (.000%) give the user the final “check digit” to remove the speculation of which way the device is rounding.
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The FC Series and the Phoenix are both DOT / NHTSA approved and listed on the CPL, but why can't the FC20 be used for a regulated testing? |
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Although both models
have an on-board memory and printing capability, the additional product
features of the Phoenix
plus an extensive training and certification network make it the approved,
easy-to-use, and specified product for Workplace alcohol testing
programs. Specifically, the Phoenix
has automatic air blank, automatic altitude compensation, rechargeable
batteries, EasyMode™ software, and the DOT approved, published
Quality Assurance Plan as required. The Phoenix also is the device supported by a
well-established nationwide training and certification program, as
required.
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What is the difference between the FC10 and the FC10 Plus? |
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The FC10 Plus
has all the capabilities of the
FC10. However, the FC10 Plus
has the ability to conduct passive testing. Passive testing does not require
the use of a mouthpiece and allows the operator to test multiple subjects
quickly and easily. Subjects simply blow towards the back of the unit
from a distance of approximately four inches.
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What is the difference between the FC10 Plus and the FC20? |
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| The FC20
has all the capabilities of the
FC10 Plus. In addition, it has the capability to
attach the FC Printer to quickly print the test results after each
test. There is also Datatrek software that you can obtain with the FC20 |
