A passive alcohol sensor (PAS) captures and processes a sample of air to determine whether alcohol is present. If it can be shown that a PAS held near a driver's mouth reliably detects alcohol in expired breath, the instrument will aid police officers in alcohol-related traffic enforcement. Three PAS instruments were examined with 48 subjects (Ss) in a separate groups design. Ss were assigned by random procedures for repeated measurement with one instrument. The mean breath alcohol concentration (BrAC), as measured with an Intoxilyzer 5000 30 mins after completion of drinking, was 0.08%. PAS readings were obtained Predose, at peak BrAC, and at nine post-peak times. One instrument allows sampling only when positioned 5 to 7.5 inches from the S's mouth. The other instruments permit variable distances and were tested at 6 and 8 inches. (A)
Samenvatting