Journal Published Online: 01 November 1997
Volume 42, Issue 6

The Response of the Intoxilyzer 5000® to Five Potential Interfering Substances

CODEN: JFSCAS

Abstract

A study was conducted of potential vapor phase interferents which could be present on human breath and also be capable of inducing a false-positive response for ethanol on the evidential infrared-based breath testing device, the Intoxilyzer-5000. This involved preparation and validation of a range of vapor standards, which were introduced to the instrument using a dynamic flow double-bubbler system. Potential interferents were chosen on the basis of both their infrared signatures and their general availability, and included toluene, m-xylene, o-xylene, methanol and isopropanol. All compounds tested were found to be capable of inducing false-positive readings for ethanol in a highly reproducible manner, as a result of which it has been possible to derive precise least-squares equations describing the ethanol readout expected for any given blood concentration of toluene, m-xylene, o-xylene, methanol and isopropanol. The likelihood of an interference compromising the integrity of the analysis is related to both the toxicological significance and prevalence of a given blood concentration of each solvent, and the point at which the instrumental interference light is triggered in each case.

Author Information

Caldwell, JP
University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand
Kim, ND
University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand
Pages: 8
Price: $25.00
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Stock #: JFS14264J
ISSN: 0022-1198
DOI: 10.1520/JFS14264J