ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Page Count: 7

In Vitro Accuracy and Precision Studies Comparing Direct and Delayed Analysis of the Ethanol Content of Vapor
Goldberger, BA
Graduate student in forensic toxicology, University of Maryland, School of Medicine, MD

Caplan, YH
Professor and director of forensic toxicology, University of Maryland, School of Medicine, MD

(Received 31 January 1986; accepted 22 April 1986)

Abstract

In vitro accuracy and precision studies were conducted using silica gel, magnesium perchlorate, and indium encapsulation breath collection tubes in conjunction with three infrared breath ethanol analyzers (BAC Verifier, Intoxilyzer 5000, and Intoximeter 3000), the Breathalyzer 900A, and the GC Mark IV. Statistical analyses revealed good accuracy and precision and correlation between direct and delayed vapor ethanol analyses for each combination of instruments and collection devices (range = 0.000 to 0.250 g/210 L, N = 42/instrument, r > 0.99). Delayed vapor ethanol analysis utilizing each instrument and collection device combination appears to predict satisfactorily original vapor ethanol concentrations.

Keywords:
toxicology, breath-alcohol testing devices, alcohol, ethanol

Paper ID: JFS12325J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS12325J
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