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"A breathalyser can detect alcohol on the breath for up to 24 hours. The amount of time that alcohol stays detectable on the breath depends on the individual & the quantity of alcohol consumed" [1]. Employees cannot beat a breathalyser, & Drug Testing Kits UK, which is renowned for supplying on-site professional-use alcohol & drug testing kits to companies, organisations, institutions & medical facilities across the length & breath of the UK & Southern Ireland, recommends that the aforementioned have both a state-of-the art breathalyser such as the high demand, cutting-edge Intoximeter Alco-Sensor FST, & a supply of economy boxes of professional-use, all-in-one:
7 Panel Oral Fluid (Saliva) Multi-drug & Alcohol Testing Kits . - The latter of which are highly recommended for both scheduled and unannounced testing, and can be administered by a dedicated employee. Moreover, these hugely popular drug & alcohol testing kits come in economy packs of 25, 50 & 100
Did You Know?
When it comes to testing employees: "the length of time a breathalyser can detect alcohol in the breath, varies between individuals. In some cases, the breathalyser may detect alcohol for up to 12 hours. In other individuals, the breathalyser test may work for twice that long" [1].
So How Long Does it Take to Metabolise a Drink?
When it comes to how long it takes to metabolise one alcoholic drink: generally speaking, an average person takes around an hour, although this rate varies according to a number of factors. These variables include (but are not limited to):
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The person's sex at birth
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Their percentage of body fat
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Their age
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Their height
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Their weight [1]
Moreover, research show that older people metabolise alcohol more slowly, so to that end, it can remain in the breath for longer. By and large, females metabolise alcohol more slowly, hence any alcohol they have consumed, can stay in their system longer [1].
Once alcohol enters the body & bloodstream, it can only exit via two means. Approximately 10 % leaves via the urine, breath & sweat. While the remaining 90% is is naturally metabolised in the body. As our Health Science advisor here at Drug Testing Kits UK, notes, an employee's rate of alcohol metabolism can be extremely variable due to a broad spectrum of factors, however, in the main, professionals concur that: "it takes one hour to break down 0.015 of blood alcohol concentration, meaning that for every hour that an employee is not drinking, their blood alcohol content (BAC) will go down by 0.015" [2]
How Can a Breathalyser Detect an Employee's Blood Alcohol Concentration Via the Breath?
When an employee consumes an alcoholic drink, the alcohol doesn't get broken down right away. - It enters their bloodstream with most of its original chemical structure, thus enabling it to flow throughout their body. As the blood passes over their lungs, a percentage of the alcohol evaporates into tiny grape-like air sacs (the alveoli). "The alcohol in the latter is detectable through every exhale and is directly related to the concentration of alcohol in the blood, at a ratio of 2,100 to 1. That means that 2,100 milliliters of air they exhale contains as much alcohol as 1 milliliter of their blood" [2].
Workplace Breathalyser Testing With an Intoximeter Alco-Sensor FST
Simplicity of Use
There are 2 ways to utilise the passive test mode:
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A directed passive test, using the breath sampling cup
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A drink sniffer test using the Drink/Headspace Sniffer attachment
A Directed Passive Test
The passive test mode enables the operator to screen many employees quickly, without the need for a mouthpiece.
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In the first instance, simply attach the breath sampling cup to the device by aligning the holes over the inlet port and snapping it into place
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Then press the On and Off buttons simultaneously to bring up the menu
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The RCL will come up on the screen as the 1st menu option, so press the On button to scroll down the menu until you see PAS. Then press the Off button to chose this passive testing option
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The device will now display the operating temperature and then flash PAS
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So you can now hold the device a few inches away from the employee, and ask them to blow into the cup, until you tell them to stop. You will hear a click signalling that there is enough sample to run the test. The Intoximeter Alco-Sensor will have a dash running across the display indicating that it is analysing the sample
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It will then show NEG, if no alcohol is detected, or POS if alcohol has been detected
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If at this point, alcohol is detected, you can conduct a direct test in order to determine how much alcohol is present
A Drink Sniffer Test
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In the first instance, attach the Drink/Headspace Sniffer attachment to the device
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With the device set in passive mode, you will have to take a manual sample
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With the Intoximeter Alco-Sensor flashing PAS, hold the device above the container, bottle or glass. Note: for best results shake the liquid in order to release the gas in the headspace
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Now press the On button (with your index finger) to take a manual sample from the headspace. You will hear a click signalling that there is sufficient sample to conduct the test. The breathalyser will exhibit a dash running across the display signalling that it is analysing the sample
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The breathalyser will then show NEG (if no alcohol is detected); or POS if alcohol has been detected
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To repeat a passive test with another container, simply press the on button and repeat
If you would like more information on how Drug Testing Kits UK can help you conduct alcohol & drug testing in the workplace, by supplying you with the best -in-class breathalyser, and multi-panel professional-use drug & alcohol testing kits, both of which are UK-approved, and can be easily administered by an appointed member of staff (who has learned to use them by reading the instructions, and practising on a couple of people), please do not hesitate to contact our professional advisors.
References
[1]. Farnsworth, C. (2022). "How long does a breathalyzer detect alcohol?"
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/how-long-does-a-breathalyzer-detect-alcohol
[2]. Lowcostinterlock (2023). "How Long Does a Breathalyser Detect Alcohol?"
https://www.lowcostinterlock.com/ignition-interlock-faq/long-breathalyzer-detect-alcohol/
