Journal Published Online: 01 September 2004
Volume 49, Issue 5

Effect of Eight Solvents on Ethanol Analysis by Draäger 7110 Evidential Breath Analyzer

CODEN: JFSCAS

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.

Author Information

Laakso, O
Hyvinkää Hospital, Hyvinkäà, Finland University of Helsinki, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Division of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Helsinki, Finland
Pennanen, T
University of Helsinki, Laboratory of Physical Chemistry, Helsinki, Finland
Himberg, K
National Bureau of Investigation Crime Laboratory, Vantaa, Finland
Kuitunen, T
Jorvi Hospital, Espoo, Finland
Himberg, JJ
HUSLAB, Helsinki, Finland
Pages: 4
Price: $25.00
Related
Reprints and Permissions
Reprints and copyright permissions can be requested through the
Copyright Clearance Center
Details
Stock #: JFS2003101
ISSN: 0022-1198
DOI: 10.1520/JFS2003101