Can medical conditions or medications influence the accuracy of Breath Alcohol Testers?

Yes, certain medical conditions and medications have the potential to influence the accuracy of Breath Alcohol Testers (breathalyzers). While modern breathalyzers are designed to provide reliable and accurate results, various factors can affect their performance. Here are some considerations regarding medical conditions and medications:

 

Medical Conditions:

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Individuals with GERD or severe acid reflux may have alcohol vapors from the stomach reach the mouth, potentially leading to falsely elevated breathalyzer readings.
Diabetes: People with diabetes or those experiencing diabetic ketoacidosis might produce acetone in their breath, which some breathalyzers could mistakenly interpret as alcohol.

Medications:

Mouthwash and Breath Fresheners: Some mouthwashes and breath fresheners contain alcohol, and using them shortly before a breath test may result in elevated readings.
Medications with Alcohol Content: Certain medications, such as cough syrups or liquid medications, may contain alcohol, potentially influencing breathalyzer results.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol): High doses of acetaminophen could, in theory, affect breathalyzer readings, although this is not a common concern.

Respiratory Conditions:

Lung Conditions: Respiratory conditions that affect lung function, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma, might impact the exchange of gases in the lungs and could influence breathalyzer results.

Recent Alcohol Ingestion:

Regurgitation: If an individual regurgitates recently ingested alcohol, it may introduce alcohol from the stomach to the mouth, potentially affecting breathalyzer readings.

 

It’s important to note that while these factors can potentially impact breathalyzer results, modern breathalyzers are designed to minimize interference and provide accurate readings. However, individuals with medical conditions or those taking medications that may influence breathalyzer results should be aware of these potential factors.

 

If there are concerns about the impact of a specific medical condition or medication, individuals should consult with a healthcare professional. Additionally, when using a breathalyzer, following manufacturer guidelines, including any specified waiting periods after eating, drinking, or using mouthwash, can help ensure the most accurate results.