• What is the difference between a semi-conductor sensor and a fuel cell sensor?
  • Semiconductor Sensors commonly use a tin-oxide substance and are more economical. They are commonly used in Alcohol Screening Devices. Fuel Cell sensors commonly use platinum metal and are higher cost. Also, they are more specific for ethyl alcohol and reduce false positives from substances such as ketones that are similar in chemical structure to alcohol. They are commonly used in evidential grade devices.
• How accurate are breath alcohol detectors (a/k/a breathalyzers)?
  • Every alcohol detector has a margin of error. However, it's safe to say that the greater the price, the greater the accuracy and specificity. For more information about the types of units available, compare our products in our Comparison Chart.
• What is Sensor Recognition Technology?
  • Sensor Recognition Technology™ is a technology offered with all AlcoHAWK®® devices that monitors certain types of abnormal sensor conditions. If the unit detects certain abnormal conditions, a message will be displayed to warn the user that servicing is required.
• What is an Electric Pressure Sensor?
  • This sensor ensures that the user exhales through the mouthpiece with the required force for five seconds. This is a vital function because only samples of air from the deep lung are proportionate to blood alcohol content. This important feature prevents an intentional short exhale which can affect accuracy.
• What model do I need to test my employees for the presence of alcohol?
  • If the testing is on safety sensitive employees, it is regulated by the DOT. The type of unit needed is a workplace tester such as the EV30 or Phoenix 6.0. If the testing is for NON-DOT testing, then the FC Series or the AlcoHAWK®® series would meet your needs as a screener.
• What model(s) are used by law enforcement officials for preliminary screening devices?
  • An evidential unit is ideal for law enforcement officials throughout the U.S. The FC Series, SD-5, and AlcoSensor models are commonly used by police officers. In addition, several law enforcement officials are now using the AlcoHAWK®®, including the new PT500, PT500P and PT750, as their preliminary screening device because the semiconductor technology is more affordable than fuel cell technology.
• What are the ramifications if a breath alcohol tester has not obtained FDA 510(K) pre-marketing notification?
  • The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies all breath alcohol testing devices as “medical devices” requiring “pre-marketing clearance” through the submission of a 510(k) Application. The 510(k) enables the FDA to determine if the device is “safe and effective” for over-the-counter use. Thus, before any breath alcohol tester can be commercially distributed and sold in the United States for personal use, FDA 510(k) pre-marketing notification clearance is necessary. The entire AlcoHAWK®® Series is 510(k) pre-marketing notification cleared by the FDA.
• Is my blood alcohol concentration (BAC) the only factor in determining whether I can get a drunk driving charge?
  • No. Most states generally look for factors that reflect your impairment. BAC is a guideline approach used by police departments; however, you can receive a drunk driving or reckless driving charge even if your BAC is below the legal limit if you are impaired.
• What is the advantage of a device that displays BAC readings to the thousandth decimal place (i.e., .000%) versus a device that displays BAC readings to the hundredth decimal place (i.e., .00%)?
  • Breath alcohol testers that offer BAC readings to the hundredth decimal place (i.e., .00%) often do so by rounding the digit that would otherwise appear in the thousandth decimal place. For instance, if a person’s blood alcohol content is .075%, then a device that displays readings to the hundredth decimal place (i.e., .00%) would round up the final digit and the device would display .08%. Similarly, if a person’s blood alcohol content is .084%, then a device that displays readings to the hundredth decimal place (i.e., 00%) would round down the final digital and the device would display .08%. Devices that offer readings to the thousandth decimal place (.000%) give the user the final “check digit” to remove the speculation of which way the device is rounding.
• Which mouthpiece style is compatible with my unit?
  • We offer a universal mouthpiece that is compatible with the Ultra Slim, Elite, PT500, Rapidscreen and Precision models. We also sell mouthpieces specific to the unit for other models. Click here for a full list of mouthpieces we carry