Thanks to recent technology, portable breathalyzers have become more than the novelty they were initially considered to be. The small hand-held units can provide an accurate indication of one’s blood alcohol level - given they are operated according to directions. The portable breathalyzer is a convenient tool that, once you have used one, you won’t want to go drinking without.

Portable Means Convenient

The breathalyzer is about the size of a cigarette lighter, is lightweight, and can easily be carried around in a pant pocket or purse. In addition to being convenient, it is very easy to use. Wait fifteen minutes after your last sip of beer, wine, or spirits, press the button on the small hand-held unit, blow a steady breath across the sensor, and the digital display will accurately indicate the amount of alcohol present in your blood stream.

Although accurate, the breathalyzer reading should only be used as an indication of one's actual blood alcohol level, and not as a right to drive. Regardless of the reported level in one's blood, it is recommended not to drink and drive.

Breathalyzers vary in price due to the different features offered. Keychain units generally give one of three blood alcohol level readings:

• no alcohol present
• alcohol present, and
• over the legal limit.

Higher quality breathalyzers have digital displays and give a more accurate number reading along with audible warnings for blood alcohol level readings over the set legal limit.