Taking a Breathalyzer Test

Driving while intoxicated can be a very serious offense. Therefore, if you get pulled over on suspicion of driving drunk, the police will probably ask to give you a Breathalyzer test to determine your blood alcohol content/concentration, or BAC. If it is above .08, then you are above the legal limit for driving with alcohol in your system.

About a Breathalyzer

One common type of BAC testing device is a Breathalyzer. It is a fairly simple method to determine your BAC; it is much easier to perform than taking a blood or urine sample. Basically, you breathe into a specific part of a Breathalyzer machine. The alcohol in your exhalation reacts with certain chemicals that make up the testing device. With a Breathalyzer, there is a color reaction that indicates the amount of alcohol in your body.

Alcohol on Your Breath

To further understand how Breathalyzers function, it can be important to know why law enforcement officials can detect your BAC with just your breath. When you drink alcohol, it gets absorbed throughout your body, ending up in your bloodstream. As your blood goes through your lungs to absorb oxygen, it releases some of the alcohol into your lungs.

Therefore, when you exhale, your carbon dioxide contains some alcohol. It is proportionate to the amount of alcohol that is in your blood. Using a Breathalyzer test is a virtually guaranteed way for a police officer to pinpoint your BAC.

Contact Us

If you refuse a Breathalyzer, law enforcement officials may decide to take you into custody and throw you in jail. For more information about getting released from prison, contact Austin jail release lawyer Ian Inglis today at 512-472-1950.