This paper presents the results of a study of the performance of two breath alcohol simulators in law enforcement field operation in Oklahoma, USA, during a 10-month period. The two simulators tested were: (1) the Model 5000-D Intoxilyzer; (2) the 34 degrees C TOXITEST II Simulator. Data were collected from six instrument locations, using an ADAMS computer program, and analysed by various standard statistical techniques. The simulators were used at 0.06, 0.08, 0.09, 0.10, 0.11 and 0.12 g/210 L target alcohol concentrations. Table I summarises the simulator control test results, with their descriptive statistical parameters. Tables II and III, respectively, summarise the signed and absolute differences between the control test target values and results, with their descriptive statistical parameters. Some graphs are also given. The TOXITEST II Simulator performed acceptably in law enforcement field operation as a device for field tests. The accuracy and performance of vapour-alcohol control tests in field operation were comparable to those in short-term laboratory studies. The current acceptability criterion for simulator test results, proposed by the NSC Committee on Alcohol and other drugs, can be achieved in law enforcement field operations.
Abstract