Breathalyzer calibration is an important part of keeping and maintaining a breathalyser. No matter what breathalyzer you have and what technology it uses, it will require regular calibration to maintain its accuracy.
In this post, we answer some frequently asked questions about breathalyser calibration.
What is calibration?
Calibration is checking and adjusting a measuring instrument by comparing it with an accepted model. In the case of breathalysers, a known and accurately maintained gas concentration (for example, 0.05%BAC) is blown into a breathalyser, and the unit is adjusted to make sure it accurately reads the correct BAC level.
Why does my breathalyser need calibration?
Calibration is necessary for any measuring tool. When you use something so many times, it will lose some of its accuracy over time, and the same goes for breathalysers. Calibrating your breathalyser regularly ensures that it is inspected professionally to maintain its accuracy.
Does my breathalyser calibration include normal repair?
Breathalyser repair is not covered under the calibration cost. An extra cost will be involved in repairing a damaged or faulty breathalyser.
How often should I calibrate my breathalyser?
The more you use your breathalyser or the more alcohol it’s been exposed to, the sooner you will need it to be calibrated. The calibration period depends on the number of uses and the type of sensor in the breathalyzer.
Andatech's range of personal breathalysers use semiconductor (AlcoSense Pro) or fuel cell sensors and will require calibration every 6 months to maintain their accuracy.
Andatech's Industrial breathalyzers use larger capacity fuel cell sensors, which maintains its accuracy for longer, and requires calibration every 12 months.
However, improper usage can lead to your breathalyser requiring calibration sooner or immediately. Spit, moisture (from not keeping the breathalyser protected properly), or blowing into a breathalyser without waiting for 20 minutes after eating or drinking can damage or saturate the sensor. In this case, the breathalyser would require calibration earlier or immediately.
How do I send my breathalyzer back for calibration (to Andatech Malaysia)?
Please contact us to arrange a calibration service and provide us with your product model name, the serial number, and your contact and delivery details.
The breathalyzer will need to be sent to our Kuala Lumpur office. Once the calibration is completed, we will request for the payment from you and then send the unit back to you. Drop off and pick up can also be arranged during our business hours.
How long do I need to expect for my breathalyzer to be calibrated?
Once we receive your unit, it will take 7- 14 working days for us to process, calibrate and ship it back to your location.
Express calibration can be done with extra charges, which will take about 3-5 working days.
If I’m not using my breathalyzer, why do I need to calibrate it?
Breathalysers are like cars – you cannot expect it to work perfectly if you use it for the first time after several months of keeping it untouched. If you haven’t used your breathalyser for a long period of time, you will probably need to have it calibrated before using it to ensure that it is accurate.
I have more than one breathalyser and each one gives me a different reading. Why is that?
The usual belief is that the more expensive a product, the better it is. This is not truly the case when it comes to breathalyser accuracy. All breathalysers must be calibrated regularly to maintain its accuracy. If you have more than one breathalyser and each one gives you a different reading, it usually means that one or more of your breathalysers need calibration.
The breathalyzer count down is slow. Does it mean my breathalyser needs calibration?
If the alcohol tester count down is slow, it means either that the battery is low or that the sensor needs time to warm up. This is normal. Once the sensor warms up, the count down time is usually faster, as you will notice if you re-use your breathalyser for sequential readings.
I’ve had more than a few drinks but the breathalyser reading is lower than expected. Is something wrong with my breathalyzer?
The common misconception among customers is that if you drink 2-3 glasses of alcohol, the breathalyzer should definitely get a reading. In actuality, your BAC reading will depend on your age, gender, and size as well, and not just the number of drinks that you have had.
If you need to calibrate your Andatech breathalyzer in Malaysia, please contact us.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general reference only. Please seek advice from professionals according to your business’s needs.
Written by Andatech Malaysia
