How to Choose a Breathalyzer

Breathalyzers have never been more popular. In fact, they have become “must have” devices for many consumers in an age of heightened self-awareness. You wouldn't drive without knowing how fast you were going--why drink without knowing what your blood alcohol content (BAC) is? 

With a breathalyzer, you can accurately measure your BAC in a more convenient and affordable manner than ever before, enabling you to make more informed decisions. And with the advent of smartphone-connected devices like BACtrack Mobile and BACtrack Vio, the ability to track your drinking patterns and even see how your BAC will drop over time is at your fingertips. But which is the right product for you? v

A Blurry Line between Professional and Personal Use

Breathalyzers are generally grouped into two categories: professional use and personal use, corresponding to the sensors they employ. Your decision to purchase one or the other depends on your specific needs.

BACtrack Professional Grade Breathalyzers have Xtend^® Fuel Cell Sensor Technology and offer extremely high accuracy and sensitivity. They employ the same advanced sensor technology that is used by law enforcement for roadside alcohol testing, as well as substance abuse centers, clinics, and businesses. Because prices for fuel cell devices have come down in recent years, they are increasingly popular for personal use, as well.

BACtrack Professional Series fuel cell sensor breathalyzers are used by individuals who desire the highest level of accuracy in their alcohol testing, as well as in an expanding range of industries.

Breathalyzers that use semiconductor sensors are often associated with personal, home, and low-volume professional testing, and have proven to perform well when detecting the presence of alcohol. The BACtrack S35, BACtrack Vio, BACtrack Go and BACtrack Keychain breathalyzers all use a special, high end semiconductor sensor technology called MicroCheck®. Using a semiconductor sensor as a base, these sensors go through a patented burn-in process that equalizes the response, for higher performance and more accurate, reliable results when compared to standard semiconductor sensors.