Commercial descriptions of breath alcohol measuring instruments may sometimes mislead prospective purchasers as to the true capabilities of such products. This paper proposes an international taxonomical standard against which all such devices should be judged, and their relative merits then properly assessed. To class such instruments by application offers no easy answer. Breath sampling systems have often been the subject of much debate and dispute, especially regarding what is meant by the term `passive'. Confusion also exists with alcohol sensors: semiconductors and fuel cells have very different analytical capabilities, but these are not always well realised. We propose there are four criteria of taxonomy against each of which manufacturers should classify their products. These criteria are: application; size, weight and mobility; breath sampling method; and principle of alcohol detection. This simple approach should assist purchasers of breath alcohol instruments in traffic law enforcement and the newer but expanding industrial and public markets make correct decisions concerning the appropriate instrument for their application. (A)
Abstract