Studies on Breath Parameters in Human Subjects Applicable to Breath-Alcohol Analysis

• NCJ Number: 104837
• Author(s): K M Dubowski; N A Essary
• Date Published: 1985
• Length: 6 pages
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Reprinted from Alcohol, Drugs and Traffic Safety, Proceedings of the Ninth International Conference on Alcohol, Drugs and Traffic Safety, Puerto Rico, 1983.

Annotation

Experimental measurements were performed on 247 healthy adult subjects on end-expiratory breath temperatures, vital capacity volumes, full expiratory volumes after normal inhalation, and breath-throughput volumes and breath inlet pressures for several quantitative evidential breath-alcohol analyzers. The data will facilitate more rational design and effective use of breath-alcohol analyzers.

Abstract

Breath pressures were measured with a Magnehelic Model 2050C direct-reading differential pressure gauge, and breath exit temperatures at the mouth were measured with a Digitec Model 5810 digital thermistor thermometer. Breath volumes were measured with a Model 06001 9-liter water-displacement respirometer modified with a Model 20013 rotary motion potentiometer. Breath throughput volumes were measured with a Model 2207001 Volumeter. Breath throughput volumes and breath inlet pressures for several breath-alcohol analyzers were measured at the breath inlet point. The quantitative evidential breath-alcohol analyzers used in the studies were breathalyzer Model 900 A, intoxilyzer Model 4011, ALBERT Model J2A, and Department of Transportation A.S.D. The statistical analysis of the data was conducted with generally accepted statistical methods. The five data tables should permit more rational design and more effective use of breath-alcohol analyzers and facilitate improved evaluation of the results of experimental studies with breath-alcohol analyzers. 5 references.