NCJ Number
140883
Journal
Journal of the Forensic Science Society Volume: 32 Issue: 4 Dated: (October-December 1992) Pages: 349-356
Date Published
1992
Length
8 pages
Annotation
A sample of 380 subjects referred to a clinical laboratory in South Australia for routine lung function testing participated in a study to determine if inability to complete a breath alcohol test successfully, using either a Lion Alcolmeter SD-2 or Drager Alcotest 7110, was related to standard parameters obtained from the lung function spirometry test.
Abstract
One hundred fifty-three participants were tested using the Alcolmeter; of these, 49 (32 percent) were unable to produce a valid test effort. Of the 158 subjects who were tested using the Alcotest, one was unable to complete a satisfactory test and another was unable to master the instrument's technique. The results showed a considerable overlap between the minimum value for each of the lung function parameters of the subjects who could or could not successfully complete the breath alcohol test. Asthmatics, people with chronic obstructive airways disease or emphysema, and older subjects could potentially have problems producing an adequate sample for breath alcohol tests on either of these instruments. The authors recommend modifications for both instruments and passage of supporting legislation to mandate blood tests for subjects who cannot provide adequate breath samples; these measures would minimize the number of test failures and reduce the variability of results. 4 tables and 14 references