Breathalyzer

Quick answer: A breathalyzer measures breath alcohol concentration (BrAC) to estimate blood alcohol concentration (BAC). This collection offers 14 handheld, keychain and professional breathalyzer models for clinics, courts, employers and testing sites. Models use fuel cell or semiconductor sensors. Results appear in seconds. Features and regulatory status vary by model, so check each product page.

What a breathalyzer detects

A breathalyzer detects ethanol, the alcohol in beer, wine and spirits, in deep-lung air. Alcohol passes from blood into the lungs, so breath concentration tracks blood concentration. The device converts the reading into a BAC estimate. Unlike drug tests, a breathalyzer test shows current impairment risk, not past use. It does not identify other drugs. Common reporting units are shown below; available units vary by model.

Measurement	Abbreviation	Typical reporting
Breath alcohol concentration	BrAC	g/210 L of breath (or mg/L on some models)
Blood alcohol concentration (estimated)	BAC	% BAC, such as 0.02 or 0.08
Drug classes (urine, oral fluid)	n/a	Not detected by breathalyzers; ng/mL cutoffs apply only to drug tests, which we stock separately

Typical action levels depend on your program and jurisdiction. Configurations and settings vary.

Formats compared

Format	Specimen	Result time	Observed collection	Adulteration checks	Best for
Keychain breathalyzer	Breath	Seconds	Easy to observe	Not applicable; mouth alcohol wait time applies	Personal and low-volume screening
Handheld semiconductor	Breath	Seconds	Easy to observe	Wait period before testing	Budget screening
Handheld fuel cell	Breath	Seconds	Easy to observe	Wait period; some models flag improper blows	Professional screening, repeat use
Saliva alcohol strip (separate collection)	Oral fluid	Minutes	Easy to observe	Limited	Settings where blowing is difficult

Fuel cell sensors are generally favored for professional use for their specificity to alcohol. Semiconductor sensors cost less but can respond to other substances and may drift more.

Who buys and why

• Treatment centers and clinics: check clients at intake, before group sessions and after passes.
• Courts and probation: support abstinence monitoring during office visits.
• Employers and staffing firms: run reasonable-suspicion and safety-sensitive screening under company policy.
• Collection sites and labs: resell or offer on-site alcohol screening alongside drug testing.
• Schools and sober living: apply house rules consistently.

Regulated DOT alcohol testing requires evidential devices that appear on the NHTSA conforming products list. Confirm that a given model meets your program before buying.

Compliance

Many handheld breathalyzers are cleared by the FDA through the 510(k) process for over-the-counter alcohol screening. CLIA waiver applies to certain clinical lab tests; check each product listing for its status. Some units are sold as screening tools only and are not evidential. A screening result is presumptive. Where results carry legal or employment consequences, confirm with an evidential breath tester or a laboratory blood test. For breath alcohol, confirmation is typically by an evidential device, not GC-MS. Follow your policy, state law and counsel. This is not legal advice.

Calibration matters. Most sensors need periodic recalibration or replacement, so follow the manufacturer's schedule and keep records.

How to read results

1. Wait at least 15 minutes after the person last ate, drank, smoked or used mouthwash, to avoid mouth alcohol.
2. Attach a clean mouthpiece and power on the device.
3. Wait for the ready signal, then have the person blow steadily until the device signals completion.
4. Read the display and record the value, time and device ID.
5. Compare the reading to your policy threshold. Any detectable reading is a positive for zero-tolerance programs.
6. If the display shows an error or insufficient sample, the result is invalid. Wait, then retest with a new mouthpiece.

Breathalyzers display numbers rather than lines, so there is no faint-line reading. A low value is still a reading and should be treated according to your policy.

Ordering in bulk from ASC

American Screening Corp has supplied wholesale testing products since 2004 from Shreveport, Louisiana. We stock breathalyzers, replacement mouthpieces and related drug test kits in case quantities. Orders typically ship the same day when placed in time. Contact us for volume quotes and for questions on private label options. Our team can help match models to your program and sensor type.

Breathalyzer FAQ

What is a breathalyzer?

A breathalyzer is a handheld device that measures alcohol in a person's breath and converts it to an estimated blood alcohol concentration. The person blows into a mouthpiece, and a sensor reads the alcohol. Results appear within seconds. It is used for screening, not as a diagnosis of impairment.

How long does a breathalyzer test take?

The blow itself takes a few seconds, and most devices display a result shortly after. Plan on a 15-minute wait beforehand to clear mouth alcohol, and some models need a short warm-up. Total time is usually a few minutes per person.

Does a breathalyzer detect drugs?

No. A breathalyzer test detects alcohol only. Drugs such as THC, opioids or amphetamines require urine, oral fluid or other drug tests. ASC sells those formats separately, so you can pair them with breath screening when your program needs both.

How much does a breathalyzer cost?

Price depends on sensor type, features and whether the unit is professional grade. Fuel cell models generally cost more than semiconductor ones. Wholesale and case pricing is available on request. See each product page for current listings, or contact ASC for a volume quote.

Where can I buy a breathalyzer near me?

Organizations that need on-site testing usually buy online from a supplier like ASC rather than a local store. You get professional models, bulk quantities and replacement mouthpieces shipped to your location, often the same day. Local retail options are usually limited to basic consumer units.

How accurate is a breathalyzer?

Accuracy depends on sensor type, calibration, correct technique and the waiting period. Fuel cell devices are generally more precise than semiconductor ones. Mouth alcohol, recent use of certain products and skipped recalibration can skew results. Confirm important results with an evidential method.