Alcomate Blog Ethyl alcohol sanitizer may affect the sensor sensitivity of breathalyzer.

Recently, it is reported that breathalyzer shows the high false positive readings of +0.012BAC% up to +0.018BAC%, even when you test a brand new device without drinking.  This is because the active ingredient of ethyl alcohol in hand sanitizer may affect the sensor sensitivity of breathalyzers.   If you use alcohol based hand sanitizers with breathalyzer, please avoid closed space where the contaminated air is full.  If you can't avoid it, ventilate contaminated air enough to make sure there is no contaminated air, prior to using breathalyzer.   The breathalyzer unit contains a sensitive alcohol sensor that is continuously exposed to the environment. The sensor may degrade faster than normal if used in a poorly ventilated area.  The alcohol sensor can be damaged upon contact with silicon, rubber, volatile chemicals and chlorine-based chemicals. Prevent exposure of the sensor to the such items.  Although the unit is designed to minimize the casual intake of some moisture, excessive liquid flow (i.e. excess saliva, liquid alcohol from the mouth) can damage the sensor or render the sensor immediately inaccurate.  If the device keeps showing plus positive results, please contact us at support@alcomate.net for technical support.