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Reliability of breath alcohol testing with Dräger Alcotest 7410Plus analyzer in a court process

To determine usefulness and reliability of breath alcohol tests performed with Dräger Alcotest 7410Plus analyzer, in comparison to more complex analysis methods of blood and urine alcohol testing. A total of 570 cases were taken from archival court evidence material. In all cases individuals were driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI), and breath alcohol tests performed with Dräger Alcotest 7410Plus analyzer were positive. After breath alcohol testing, all individuals underwent repeated blood and urine alcohol testing, but this time concentrations were measured by headspace gas chromatography. In all individuals alcohol was in its elimination phase. Results obtained from both experiments were evaluated and compared. Comparison of breath alcohol concentrations and blood alcohol concentrations calculated to the time of breath alcotest, showed that 30 of 570 individuals (5.3%) were not within 95% predicament range, according to the linear equation CBAC ± 0.307 = 0.093 + 1.022CBrAC. Legal classification of beeing under the influence of alcohol refers to blood alcohol concentration, not breath alcohol concentration. Therefore it is not plausible to define the state of alcohol influence using Dräger Alcotest 7410Plus analyzer.

Dräger Alcotest 7410Plus; breath alcohol concentration (BrAC); blood alcohol concentration (BAC); forensic toxicology; court process

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