The most obvious question regarding whether personal breathalyzers actually work is: are the devices accurate? Does the breathalyser indicator actually reflect the BAC of the user. In large part this depends on the model of breathalyzer, the type of sensor the breathalyzer uses, and the calibration and maintenance that the breathalyzer has received.

The BACTrack Select S80 uses fuel cell sensors and retails for around $249.99.

Many of the professional grade hand held breathalyzers that use fuel cell technology sensors measure the electrical charge produced by electrochemical interactions with alcohol.  Fuel cell sensors are less likely to give false readings from ketones in diabetics or from cigarette smoke or mouthwash. However, they do require calibration or replacement of the fuel cell sensor.

Other breathalyzers use semi-conductor sensors to measure the amount of alcohol released as breath from the lungs. These breathalizers come in a variety of accuracy levels, depending on the materials used. Some of the semi-conductor models are as accurate as fuel cell breathalyzers while others are much less accurate. For an accurate breathalyzer you should expect to spend over $90, and you should be very leery of the cheap mini-breathalyzers with an accuracy of +-.02 or greater.

Besides the accuracy of the device police officials have expressed concern over drivers using a breathalyzer and gaining false confidence in their ability to drive. This means that even if a breathalyzer accurately reflects your BAC and indicates you are under the legal limit, you may still be arrested for a DUI, or DWI, if the police officer believes you are impaired. Thus, a breath alcohol test may not work to prevent a DUI arrest. In nearly all states the legal limit is .08, but studies have shown that drivers may become impaired at levels as low as .05. Thus, a person should use caution in deciding to drive based on a BAC level close to the legal limit.

There are also concerns of breathalyzer devices being misused as a device for party or drinking games. There are reports of drinking games consisting of using an alcohol breath test to see who can achieve the highest BAC. Such as games may cause blood alcohol poisoning resulting in severe vomiting, coma inducement, or even death. Such games are particularly prevalent and dangerous for inexperienced drinkers such as teenagers and college students.

In short, if you wish to use a personal breathalyzer ensure you purchase a professional grade device with the greatest accuracy possible. This means one around +-.005. There are a variety of models that can achieve this level of accuracy, but they must be properly maintained and calibrated, which does have additional costs. In addition, the user should realize the limitations of the device and that regardless of the breathalyser results, they may still be charged with a DUI if impaired. Finally, do not abuse any type of breath alcohol test by using it in a drinking game to compete for the highest BAC. Check breathalyzer reviews on specific models.