ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Published Online: 1 September 2004
Page Count: 4

Effect of Eight Solvents on Ethanol Analysis by Draäger 7110 Evidential Breath Analyzer
Himberg, JJ
HUSLAB, Helsinki

Himberg, K
National Bureau of Investigation Crime Laboratory, Vantaa

Laakso, O

Kuitunen, T
Jorvi Hospital, Espoo

Pennanen, T
University of Helsinki, Laboratory of Physical Chemistry, Helsinki

(Received 15 March 2003; accepted 7 May 2004)

Abstract

The Dräger 7110 MK III FIN Evidential breath analyzer is classified as a quantitative analyzer capable to provide sufficient evidence for establishing legal intoxication. The purpose of this study was to evaluate ethanol specificity of this instrument in the presence of other solvents. Effects of eight possible interfering compounds on ethanol analysis were determined in a procedure simulating a human breathing. Most of the compounds studied had either a negligible effect on ethanol analysis (acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, and methyl isobutyl ketone) or were detected in very low concentrations before influencing ethanol readings (methanol, ethyl acetate, and diethyl ether). However, 1-propanol and 2-propanol increased the ethanol readings significantly. Thus, Draäer ethanol readings should be interpreted carefully in the presence of propanol.

Keywords:
forensic science, forensic medicine, breath tests, ethanol, solvents, spectrophotometry, infrared, electrochemistry, false positive reactions, Dräger 7110 Evidential

Paper ID: JFS2003101
DOI: 10.1520/JFS2003101
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