Semiconductor |
Electrochemical |
Infrared |
|
Sensor |
Semiconductor |
Electrochemical |
Infrared |
Price |
10 - 100 GBP |
100 - 2000 GBP |
above 2000 GBP |
Application |
As a pre-screening device used by individual users. Typically, the margin of error is so large and variable in time that the producers do not specify it. |
Usually models are portable devices used primarily as evidence by the police all over the world. Approximately +/- 5% margin of error at 0.4 mg / l |
Usually used in laboratory. Devices for accurate measurements |
Susceptibility to confounding factors such as the type of measurement or food intake |
Yes |
No |
No |
Effect of low battery on the result |
Semiconductor sensors must be heated to high temperatures as they require a lot of power. In case of low battery, sensor is not able to warm up and leads to a large measurement error. |
No effect |
No effect |
Sensor life |
At concentrations higher than acceptable, you can immediately burn the sensor or recalibrate. |
About 5 years |
Not Specified |
Repeatability time |
Unstable |
Depends on the type of sensor used. |
Stable
|
Calibration of equipment |
If you notice incorrect results, you should return the breathalyzer to the seller to check device accuracy. Such breathalyzers need to be calibrated every 6 months. Note that this type of breathalyzers can start showing inaccurate results even after a few tests if not used properly. |
Breathalyzers require calibration every 6 months. |
Not Specified |