1 FAQs about the Alcotest 3000 How can the concentration of ...

FAQs about the Alcotest 3000
How can the concentration of alcohol be measured?
The Dräger Alcotest 3000 shows the concentration of alcohol as blood alcohol
concentration (BAC) and as breath alcohol concentration (BrAC). There are different
possibilities to configure the device, the most common measuring units are ‰ (per
mill) and mg/L.
What is the relation between blood alcohol and breath alcohol?
Within the alveoli of the lung the alcohol within the (arterial) blood transfers into the
inhaled air whereby alcohol is emitted through exhaling. The breath alcohol
concentration (BrAC) meets approx. 1/2100 of the (venous) blood alcohol
concentration. Which means: the indicated breath alcohol concentration can be
transferred by multiplication with the factor 2100 into a blood alcohol concentration in
‰. The factor is related to each country and can be configured country-specific.
Is a minimum respiratory volume and a minimum blowing time requested for a
valid breath sample?
Yes. The test subject must breath evenly and continuously into the mouthpiece. The
required minimum respiratory volume is 1.2 L, the minimum blowing time is 2
seconds. If the requirements are not fulfilled the device gives an alert and a test
result is not shown. The test should be repeated.
Can smoke of a cigarette influence the test result?
No. But you should not blow into the device right after a draw from a cigarette. We
recommend to take a few deep breaths before you blow into the device. The sensor
technology of this device has no cross-sensitivity of CO2 und CO.
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Has the mouthpiece to be replaced after every breath test?
For hygienic reasons, the mouthpiece should be replaced. In case of doing several
breath tests in a short time period an increased condensation may occur. In this case
you should make sure that the mouthpiece drys completely in the meantime.
Otherwise it can’t be ruled out that the former positive test results will be transferred
to the following test.
Is there a waiting period which has to be observed between the latest
consumption of alcohol and the breath test sample?
Remaining alcohol within the mouth may cause incorrect measurement values.
Incorrect measurements can also happen after the test subject burps or vomits,
drinks aromatic beverages (e.g. fruit juices) or uses alcoholc mouth spray. Therefore
a waiting period of at least 15 minutes after drinking or eating s.th. should be kept.
Has the Alcotest 3000 the same sensor technology like the professional and
more expensive breath alcohol measurement devices of Dräger?
Yes, the measuring accuracy and the sensor technology are the same. But: the
measurement range and the operating temperature are limited. The CE marking
“electromagnetic compatibility” (Directive 89/336/EEC) is also different. The CE
marking is limited for residential and commercial environments. The Alcotest 3000
has no data storage or an interface to a printer. It is designed for private use – for the
selftest – only.
Accuracy of the Alcotest 3000:
The devices are adequat to a class 5%-device.
Max. repeatability error with an ethanol standard
0 to 1,0 ‰ - +/- 0,05 ‰ >1,00 ‰ - +/- 5 % of the measurement value
0 to 0,540 ml/l - +/- 0,03 mg/L >0,50 mg/L - +/- 5 % of the measurement value
Is it possible for the user to calibrate the Alcotest 3000?
Calibration can only be performed in an approved Draeger service workshop, since
there the needed equipment is available. For the calibration of the Alcotest 3000 the
AlcoView 3000 software is required. For more information on the operation of the
software, the service manual may be consulted in DORIS.
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How long is the life cycle of the electrochemical sensors in Alcotest devices?
All EC sensors have a 1-year warranty. Our experiences show that the sensor may
be replaced after 3-4 years. We also recommend to follow the specified service
intervals to retain the measuring accuracy.
How deviates the test results if the Alcotest 3000 will not be calibrated?
There is every likelihood that the mentioned measuring tolerances will be exceeded.
The longer a sensor is not calibrated the more inaccurate the measuring results will
come up.
Where can I buy the Alcotest 3000?
The Alcotest 3000 will be available in the regional sales offices of Draeger. There
also is the possibility to purchase the unit at selected technical specialty retailers,
such as BBF, Trend Medic, Fricke, ACE and Mahsan.
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