When it comes to breathalysers, there’s no shortage of myths and misinformation. Many people question their accuracy or think they’re nothing more than novelty gadgets, while others rely on outdated assumptions about how they work and the results they deliver. These misconceptions can lead to risky behaviour, uninformed decisions, or dismissing the importance of reliable alcohol testing devices entirely. At Breathalysers Australia, we believe in empowering individuals with the truth about breathalysers to promote safety and informed decision-making. This article will debunk the most common myths about breathalyser accuracy, helping to separate fact from fiction.

Myth About Breathalyser #1: All Breathalysers Are the Same

One of the most pervasive myths is that all breathalysers, regardless of their make or model, provide the same level of accuracy. This couldn’t be further from the truth.

Different breathalysers use different sensor technologies. For instance, low-cost models often rely on semiconductor sensors, which are less accurate and prone to fluctuations due to environmental changes like temperature or humidity. On the other hand, professional-grade devices like our AlcoSense Elite 3 use advanced fuel cell sensors, known for their stability, precision, and police-grade accuracy. These sensors deliver consistent results, ensuring you can trust the data to make responsible decisions.

Fact Check

The Australian Standard AS3547 certification ensures breathalysers meet stringent accuracy and reliability standards. All our devices at Breathalysers Australia are certified, so you can rely on them for safe and precise readings.

Myth About Breathalyser #2: Breathalyser Readings are Affected by Food or Mouthwash

Another common misconception is that consuming certain foods or using alcohol-based mouthwash can impact the results of a breathalyser. While it’s true that residual alcohol in your mouth might momentarily influence the reading of entry-level devices, high-quality breathalysers, like the AlcoSense GT Premium, minimise these effects.

The Science Behind It

Advanced breathalysers are designed to measure the alcohol in your breath from deep lung air (alveolar air), which provides an accurate representation of your Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC). Any residual alcohol from food or mouthwash typically dissipates within minutes and doesn’t significantly alter the readings of certified, police-grade devices.

Myth About Breathalyser #3: You Can Fool a Breathalyser Test

Think you can beat a breathalyser by holding your breath, sucking on a penny, or eating certain foods? Think again. These urban myths often circulate online, but none of them have any scientific basis. Breathalysers analyse the air expelled from your lungs, where alcohol is metabolised, and external factors like “tricks” have no measurable impact.

Real Consequences of Misinformation

Believing these myths can lead to dangerous overconfidence. For example, in 2018, a widely reported case in New South Wales involved a driver who believed eating mints would hide their BAC. They were charged after their high BAC was confirmed by a breathalyser.

At Breathalysers Australia, we encourage everyone to challenge these myths for the sake of safety and responsible alcohol consumption.

Myth About Breathalyser #4: Personal Breathalysers Aren’t as Reliable as Police Devices

Many assume that only law enforcement-grade breathalysers provide accurate results, with personal devices being labelled as inaccurate or unreliable. While it’s true that early models of personal breathalysers didn’t boast the same level of precision, technological advancements have changed the game.

The AlcoSense Edge

Our AlcoSense Elite 3 BT, for instance, is Bluetooth-enabled and provides results comparable to police-grade devices. With the added convenience of sharing results and storing up to 100 BAC test records, it’s a cutting-edge tool for personal accountability.

With devices like these, you no longer need to rely solely on law enforcement to measure your BAC accurately.

Myth About Breathalyser #5: Breathalysers Don’t Require Maintenance

Another harmful myth is that breathalysers work perfectly forever without requiring any maintenance. This belief can compromise accuracy over time, as breathalysers need regular calibration to ensure precision.

Why Calibration Matters

Calibration is the process of resetting a device’s sensor to its original factory specifications. Over time, even high-quality fuel cell sensors can lose sensitivity due to exposure to alcohol and other particles. Neglecting calibration can lead to unreliable readings.

At Breathalysers Australia, we offer calibration management plans to help customers maintain the long-term accuracy of their devices. This ensures our breathalysers perform as reliably as the day they were purchased.

Myth About Breathalyser #6: Breathalysers Give Instantaneous Results

Many people mistakenly believe that breathalysers provide results the moment you start blowing into the device. The reality is that even advanced devices require a few seconds to analyse your breath and deliver an accurate BAC reading.

The Truth About Timing

Modern, high-quality breathalysers like the AlcoSense Verity are incredibly fast, delivering results in just a few seconds. However, “instantaneous” results remain unrealistic, as sensors need time to process the air sample accurately.

Setting reasonable expectations about timing is essential when using a breathalyser, as rushing the process could lead to user error rather than inaccuracies in the device itself.

Why Choose Breathalysers Australia for Reliable Results?

At Breathalysers Australia, we’re committed to providing accurate and reliable personal breathalysers that meet the highest standards of quality. Whether you’re looking for a compact, portable option like the AlcoSense Verity or a feature-packed device like the Elite 3 BT, we’ve got you covered.

Our products empower individuals to make responsible choices, providing peace of mind wherever life takes them.

Key Benefits of Choosing Us:

• Australian Standard Certified for superior accuracy.
• Backed by a Lifetime Guarantee.
• Free shipping on orders over $500.
• Dedicated Customer Support to answer all your questions.

Debunking Myths for Better Safety

Understanding the facts about breathalysers and their accuracy is crucial for making informed, responsible decisions. Disregarding myths ensures you can rely on these vital tools to confidently assess your BAC and stay safe.

If you’re ready to enhance your safety measures, explore our range of premium, user-friendly breathalysers at Breathalysers Australia. Whether you’re looking to stay responsible on the road or ensure peace of mind at social events, our breathalysers are trusted by individuals and organisations across Australia.

Take control of your safety and avoid the myths. Click here to learn more and find the perfect breathalyser for you.