Alcohol Test Kit Manufacturer Lifeloc Technologies Announces New Campaign to Guide Users of Breath Alcohol Testing Equipment

Wheat Ridge, CO (PRLEAP) October 25, 2006 – “Increasing popularity of novelty breathalyzers corresponds to an increase in misconceptions and inaccurate information regarding their use.” this according to Alan Castrodale, president of Lifeloc Technologies (www.lifeloc.com), a leading manufacturer of Portable Breath Testers. Lifeloc is announcing a new campaign to inform users of the advantages of professional fuel cell based breath alcohol testing equipment and the liabilities of low cost personal breathalyzers commonly purchased by consumers.

Portable breath testers generally use one of two existing technologies for sensing alcohol: either an inexpensive semi-conductor sensor, or a more sophisticated and highly accurate fuel cell. Many personal semi-conductor alcohol testers are available, typically ranging in price from $10 to $129 while professional alcohol testing equipment used by businesses and police range from $400 to $1400 or more. More important than price according to alcohol test kit manufacturer Lifeloc, is the need to understand the shortcomings of low-cost semi-conductor breathalyzers when compared to fuel-cell based alcohol testing equipment.

Several serious drawbacks accompany the use of low-cost semi-conductor alcohol testing equipment. False positive readings, a relatively short life, inaccurate readings, and the inability to distinguish between alcohol and other substances are just a beginning. For example, semi-conductor sensors can register detected alcohol in a person with diabetes or sometimes in the case where a person is on a high protein diet. “False positives” are the bane of any form of professional and reliable testing.

The use of low-cost semi-conductor alcohol testing equipment also brings confusion in the area of calibration. Given the manner in which semi-conductor testers are marketed (internet or retail), many users of these novelty devices are not instructed regarding the need for calibration and some of the devices cannot be calibrated due to their inexpensive design. Therefore, breath sample test results using semi-conductor devices may become highly inaccurate and misleading over time.

Unlike novelty products, all of alcohol test kit manufacturer Lifeloc Technologies' models are precision instruments utilizing a highly accurate fuel cell sensor. Significantly, fuel cells are not only far more accurate, they are also alcohol specific, and will not register a positive result from other substances typically found in exhaled breath. The Lifeloc Technologies breath alcohol testing models have a life expectancy of 4 to 8 years with virtually no limit on usage or number of tests. The instruments can be easily calibrated (or accuracy-checked), and are fully supported by instruction modules, training programs and comprehensive full-time factory technical support.

Lifeloc Technologies recommends semi-conductor devices be used only for personal or novelty purposes, with the user being fully aware of their limitations, inaccuracies and short lives. Lifeloc advises that semi-conductor based breathalyzers should not be used for professional testing or in any instance where the reported test result might bring consequences to the individual.

For more information on Lifeloc Technologies’ alcohol testing equipment, please visit: (http://www.lifeloc.com/products/software.html).


About Lifeloc Technologies:
For over twenty years, Denver based Lifeloc Technologies (www.lifeloc.com) has served the business, law enforcement and corrections communities by providing high-tech alcohol testing devices. Used in over 35 countries, Lifeloc's breath alcohol testing devices are recognized for their ease-of-use, reliability, and long life. Lifeloc products have been tested and approved by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a part of the U.S. Department of Transportation, as well as multiple state forensic laboratories in the U.S. and in many other countries.