Faults and Limitations of Blood-Alcohol Level Machines

Unfortunately, there is no way for the computer to indicate if it, itself, is faulty. However, it must indicate any of the following malfunctions by displaying error messages on the LCD screen.

• CRC Error
• If the system cannot zero
• Printer Error
• Problems with the pump
• Temperature too high
• Temperature too low

When the system will not zero, the statement is followed by, “It is possible that there may be physical blockages of the IR (infrared) energy along the path from Source to Detector…” Some possibilities of the cause of the block are:

• The chopper wheel may not be turning.
• There may be a leak in the system causing condensation or fog on the windows and mirrors.
• Unknown objects in the sample chamber
• The windows or mirrors could be damaged.
• Simulator solution in sample chamber. If the simulator is attached incorrectly this situation can take place.

The Service Guide offers some possibilities of “functional errors”. These are errors for which the LCD display does not reveal the cause of the malfunction.

• Not enough heat in the breath tube
• The machine may sample too early, on its own
• When the instrument is used the blinking will not stop
• No sample will be taken when the blinking stops
• Supervisor buttons are faulty
• Blowing into the machine proves to be extremely strenuous
• There is no display
• The printer will run constantly
• The MTR button will not work

There are a few more possibilities of malfunctions in the BAC Verifier/Datamaster handbook:

• RFI
• Calibration Fault – Fatal Systems Error
• Inaccurate Sample

The handbook states “mouth alcohol is being detected, subject is not providing a proper sample, or the instrument is out of adjustment,” but does not identify which situation in fact exists.

The manual emphasizes that these situations are simply the most familiar origins of the faults that occur with the Verifier/Datamaster. The manual also offers, “If your instrument exhibits a symtom that is not identified in this guide, please notify us so that we may update our symptom information library.” (emphasis added). The previous quote is there because:

1. There exists a full library of possible malfunctions with the device.
2. There are faults that occur that the developers are still unaware of. The manufacturers are requesting facts on recently found faults for their undoubtedly growing library. What defect will be found next!

Unfortunately, the Verifier/Datamaster is not always checked for defects before and after tests are given. Keep in mind that the machine has an inner self-checking diagnostic system that performs through the computer. “Garbage in means garbage out.” Yet, hypothetically, a machine that can self-check itself would alert the operator of defects in itself. But still, the checks are performed occasionally with no regard of when tests are given. A critical example of why checks of the machine should be performed before a test: The sample chamber must be 50 degrees to ensure that a valid sample is taken.

More issues relating breathalyzers that also perform through infrared absorption can be found through these links:

Infrared Analyzer
A detailed report of the normal design of an infrared analyzing machine that computes the amount of alcohol in the breath.

The Science of Breath Testing
A professor of pharmacology offers an educated opinion of the physiological basis for breathalyzers.

Breathalyzers
More links that discuss breath testing and the use of breath testing machines.

The Drunk Driving Law Center
A large site that provides information relating to blood and breath alcohol analysis and blood alcohol concentration.

The Human Body and Alcohol
A broad talk of the physiological impact of ethanol.

DUI Laws Los Angeles DUI Penalties DMV License Suspensions Finding a Good Los Angeles DUI Attorney Los Angeles County Courts City Governments in Los Angeles County Law Enforcement Agencies in Los Angeles Los Angeles Prosecuting Agencies Officer's Probable Cause BAC Testing Limitations Blood Fermentation Arterial vs Venous Retrograde Extrapolation Computing Blood-Alcohol Individual Tolerance Odor of Alcohol on Breath Car Insurance After a DUI The Breath Machines Blood-Alcohol Analysis The Nystagmus Eye Test Officer's Field Sobriety Exams Corpus Delecti DUI Search Help Home

Copyright 2001 - 2008

Site Map | Legal Disclaimer