ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Published Online: 1 October 1985
Page Count: 6

An In Vitro Study of the Accuracy and Precision of Breathalyzer® Models 900, 900A, and 1000
Yohman, DT
Supervisor, Chemical Test for Alcohol Unit, Maryland State Police, MD

Schaefer, JA
Chemist, O'Neil M. Banks, Inc., MD

Caplan, YH
Toxicologist, Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, MD

(Received 5 November 1984; accepted 28 January 1985)

Abstract

Ninety Breathalyzer® instruments (Model 1000) and twenty instruments (Models 900, 900A) were studied using a protocol described by the Department of Transportation's “Standard for Devices to Measure Breath Alcohol.” Although the mean of each of three concentrations tested (0.05, 0.10, and 0.15 g/210 L) compared favorably in both series, the standard deviation was consistently higher for the Model 1000 instruments. The Model 1000 instruments also produced a significant number of test results which exceeded the normally expected scientific deviation.

Keywords:
forensic science, breath-alcohol testing devices, protocols, Breathalyzer®

Paper ID: JFS11046J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS11046J
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