Alcohol Levels Assay/Test Availability
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Alcohol Levels Assay/Test Availability
Are there any practical test kits available commercially which would allow people to check their blood alcohol content, before driving or flying? And if so, are they sensitive enough to give an accurate reading?
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I would not like to risk my licences (aviation or driving) on the accuracy of an over the counter test kit.
If there is a question as to the possibility a blood alcohol level test would indicate intoxication then surely it is time to walk well away until the answer is a definate no.
If there is a question as to the possibility a blood alcohol level test would indicate intoxication then surely it is time to walk well away until the answer is a definate no.
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Problems here?
IMHO, if one is concerned about having to check ones' levels before they go flying, I might begin to wonder if there is a deeper, more pressing problem than trying to pass the test.
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There are disposable tubes which you blow into and will give you an indication if you are over a limit which is determined by the manufacturer. I don't know how accurate they are.
Your best bet is probably to buy a breathalyser. Don't waste your money on something that cost in the region of £50-100. They are just crap and might, after a while, give you a completely wrong indication.
A reasonably good breathalyser (based on "fuel cell" I think) cost in the region of £500-800. It claims to have an accuracy of at least 5%. You should calibrate it at least once a year. I use the Lion S-300 which is pretty durable and reliable.
If you want a breathalyser that is reliable enough to have the result accepted by a court you probably look at maybe £10.000 - £15.000.
Remember that your exhalation just gives an indication, though relatively reliable, of your alcohol content in your blood. If you recently had a drink it will probably take 20-30 minutes before you can have a reliable result using a breathalyser. The main factor is that having just a little alchol in your mouth will give an overreading. If you just take a spoon of vodka and gargle the breathalyser might read more than it can measure.
"If there is a question as to the possibility a blood alcohol level test would indicate intoxication then surely it is time to walk well away until the answer is a definate no."
Not everything revolve round the UK, which have a relatively reasonable legislation on these matters.
Your best bet is probably to buy a breathalyser. Don't waste your money on something that cost in the region of £50-100. They are just crap and might, after a while, give you a completely wrong indication.
A reasonably good breathalyser (based on "fuel cell" I think) cost in the region of £500-800. It claims to have an accuracy of at least 5%. You should calibrate it at least once a year. I use the Lion S-300 which is pretty durable and reliable.
If you want a breathalyser that is reliable enough to have the result accepted by a court you probably look at maybe £10.000 - £15.000.
Remember that your exhalation just gives an indication, though relatively reliable, of your alcohol content in your blood. If you recently had a drink it will probably take 20-30 minutes before you can have a reliable result using a breathalyser. The main factor is that having just a little alchol in your mouth will give an overreading. If you just take a spoon of vodka and gargle the breathalyser might read more than it can measure.
"If there is a question as to the possibility a blood alcohol level test would indicate intoxication then surely it is time to walk well away until the answer is a definate no."
Not everything revolve round the UK, which have a relatively reasonable legislation on these matters.
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Nothing sinister 777AV8R, you may not be aware of the new BAC limits in the UK, which may preclude even one glass of wine 12 hours before. This is not a problem for most of us, but does require care and attention.
