BACtrack BT-T40 User Manual
Introduction
The BACtrack® Alcohol Detector is an alcohol screening device used for detecting alcohol in the breath. It provides a digital result indicating the approximate Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of the test subject. The BACtrack is powered by two AAA batteries and is very easy to use. Simply turn on the unit and begin testing in seconds. It is recommended to read this manual thoroughly before use.
Alcohol and Its Effects on the Human Body
Alcohol is absorbed from the mouth, throat, stomach, and intestines into the bloodstream. It is detected in the breath due to its presence in the bloodstream. Alcohol cannot be digested or chemically changed in the bloodstream. As blood flows through the lungs, alcohol moves across the membranes of the lung's air sacs (alveoli) into the air. The concentration of alcohol in alveolar air is directly related to the concentration in the blood. The ratio of breath alcohol to blood alcohol is generally estimated to be 2,100:1, meaning 2,100 milliliters of alveolar air contain approximately the same amount of alcohol as 1 milliliter of blood.
Alcohol is a Drug
Alcohol is the chemical (ethanol or ethyl alcohol) resulting from the fermentation of grapes or grain. It is absorbed directly into the bloodstream and then into body tissues, including the brain. The liver eliminates absorbed alcohol at its own rate; no food or drink can speed this process. The liver oxidizes alcohol, converting it into water and carbon dioxide. Coffee, food, or any other remedy will not sober a person up; only time will.
How does alcohol affect my body?
Alcohol is a depressant, relaxing muscles. It affects eye muscles, causing them to lose focus, leading to fuzzy eyesight and potential double vision. Brain activity is slowed, negatively affecting judgment, reflexes, and coordination. Vision impairments include:
- Narrowing of the field of vision
- Reduction in depth perception
- Decreased ability to see in darkness
- Increased sensitivity to glare and longer time for eyes to readjust
Mental (brain) impairments can include:
- Reduced awareness of danger
- Overconfidence and recklessness
- Difficulty in making decisions
- Reduction in balance
- Slowed reflexes
- Impaired judgment
How does alcohol affect my driving?
Drinking and driving is extremely dangerous. Vision and brain function are critical for safe driving. Jeopardizing either by drinking while driving significantly increases the risk of serious or fatal collisions.
Dose-Specific Effects of Alcohol
The effects of alcohol intoxication are greatly influenced by individual variations. Some users may be intoxicated at lower BAC levels than shown. The generally accepted legal standard for alcohol intoxication in the United States is 0.08% BAC, but driving skills can be impaired at 0.04% BAC or lower. It is never safe to drink any amount of alcohol and drive.
| BAC | Dose-Specific Effects |
|---|---|
| 0.02 - 0.03% | Slight euphoria. Loss of shyness. Depressant effects are not apparent. Impairment possible in some individuals. |
| 0.04 - 0.06% | Feeling of well-being, relaxation, lower inhibitions and sensation of warmth. Euphoria. Some minor impairment of reasoning and memory. Lowering of caution. Driving skills may be impaired at this level of intoxication. |
| 0.07 - 0.09% | Slight impairment of balance, speech, vision, reaction time, and hearing. Euphoria. Judgment and self-control are reduced. Caution, reason and memory are impaired. Driving skills are always impaired at this level of intoxication and higher. |
| 0.10 - 0.12% | Significant impairment of motor coordination and loss of good judgment. Speech may be slurred. Balance, vision, reaction time and hearing will be impaired. Euphoria. |
| 0.13 - 0.15% | Gross motor impairment and lack of physical control. Blurred vision and major loss of balance. Euphoria is reduced and dysphoria (anxiety, restlessness) is beginning to appear. |
| 0.16 - 0.20% | Dysphoria predominates. Nausea may appear. |
| 0.25% | Needs assistance in walking. Total mental confusion. Dysphoria with nausea and some vomiting. |
| 0.30% | Loss of consciousness. |
| 0.40% and up | Onset of coma. Possible death due to respiratory arrest. |
Source: California Department of Motor Vehicles; Bailey, William J., Drug Use in American Society, 3rd ed., Minneapolis: Burgess, 1993.
Components Diagram
The BACtrack BT-T40 features the following components:
- Power Button: Used to turn the device on and off.
- Detachable Mouth Piece: Attaches to the device to ensure hygienic testing and consistent airflow.
- Display: Shows the BAC reading, countdowns, and error notifications.
- Battery Cover (back): Located on the back of the unit, provides access to the battery compartment.
Operation
Important: Test subjects should wait 20 minutes after eating, drinking, or smoking before blowing into the BACtrack Breathalyzer. Failure to wait 20 minutes can provide inaccurate test results and damage the sensor.
Testing Steps
Step 1: Attach Mouthpiece
Attach a mouthpiece to the breathalyzer. It protects the sensor from mouth droplets, which could cause damage, and ensures consistent blowing pressure for more accurate readings.
Step 2: Start Countdown
Press the start button. The BACtrack will begin a countdown.
Step 3: Inhale Deeply
When the countdown approaches 2, begin to inhale a deep breath.
Step 4: Blow Continuously
When the countdown reaches zero, blow and a line will appear on the screen. Blow through the mouthpiece continuously for five seconds until the beeps stop.
Step 5: View Results
Once the sensor analyzes the breath sample, the estimated BAC value is displayed. For most accurate results, wait one minute between tests. When testing high alcohol levels, wait 3-5 minutes between tests.
Error Notifications
The BACtrack may display various notifications:
Display shows 'FL'
The 'FL' notification can appear in three cases:
- The user did not blow continuously for five seconds.
- The user may still have alcohol in their saliva, and the measured alcohol concentration is uneven. Users should wait 20 minutes after their last drink to ensure alcohol in the mouth is fully absorbed and a proper breath sample can be taken.
- The user may have blown too hard. Try again with a more moderate and consistent blow.
Display shows 'H'
Reading exceeds the upper limit of 0.40% BAC. Ensure the user has waited 20 minutes after consuming alcohol before blowing.
Display shows 'Er'
The sensor is damaged. Contact support for assistance.
Low Battery Icon
When the low battery icon appears, replace with new AAA Alkaline batteries.
Display shows '0.00'
If an attempt at the breath sample is detected, but not completed, the unit will display '0.00' and then power off.
Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 2.5 x 2.25 x 0.66 inches (6.35 x 5.72 x 1.68 cm) |
| Weight | 1.7 oz. (56 grams) |
| Sensor Technology | Advanced Semiconductor |
| Detection Range | 0.00 - 0.40 %BAC |
| Power Supply | Two AAA Alkaline Batteries - not included |
| Battery Life | 100 - 150 tests |
| Warm Up Time | 11 - 13 seconds |
| Response Time | 5 seconds |
| Operating Temperature | 50 - 104 degrees Fahrenheit (10 - 40 Celsius) |
Precautions
- Wait at least 20 minutes after drinking, eating, or smoking before testing. Not observing this waiting period can cause inaccurate readings and damage the sensor.
- Do not blow smoke, food, or liquids into the BACtrack as this will damage the sensor.
- Do not test in areas with strong winds, smoke, or in an area where a large amount of alcohol is being consumed.
- Send your tester in for periodic calibration service as required.
- The BACtrack Breathalyzer is designed to be used in a temperature range of 50-104 degrees F (10-40 degrees C).
- Avoid testing in the presence of any substances that contain methyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, or acetone. These substances may interfere with the results of the test.
- You cannot use the results of this product in court.
- Do not use the BACtrack as a tool to determine whether you should operate a motor vehicle or equipment, or perform any other dangerous act.
- Do not drink and drive. Always have a designated driver when alcohol is being consumed.
Verification and Calibration
The BACtrack is calibrated during manufacture using advanced alcohol simulation equipment. Known alcohol concentrations are passed through the sensor to set baseline values for testing. During testing, the unit compares users' breath samples to these baseline values.
The accuracy of breath alcohol testers can fluctuate after six to twelve months of normal use, depending on the number of tests performed and operating conditions. If this product provides inconsistent or inaccurate results, it should be recalibrated immediately by a trained professional.
The product should be recalibrated at least every six to twelve months. If used daily, recalibration may be needed monthly.
Calibration Instructions
Please visit www.bactrack.com or call 415-693-9756 for information on how to get your BACtrack Breathalyzer recalibrated. During recalibration, a professional technician will reset the sensor baseline values and perform a full diagnostic check to ensure accuracy and reliability.
One-Year Limited Warranty
KHN Solutions' warranty obligations for this product are limited. KHN Solutions warrants this product against defects in materials and workmanship under normal use for a period of ONE (1) YEAR from the date of retail purchase by the original end-user purchaser ("Warranty Period"). KHN Solutions provides this product "as is" unless otherwise stated by law. If a defect arises within the Warranty Period, KHN Solutions may, at its option, repair the product, exchange it with a new or refurbished product, or refund the purchase price. The warranty is limited to the original end-user purchaser and is not transferable.
Exclusions, Limitations, and Disclaimers
KHN Solutions makes no warranties, express or implied, regarding the product's ability to determine impairment or intoxication. KHN Solutions expressly disclaims liability for direct, indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages. Any action taken based on a reading from this product is at the user's own risk. KHN Solutions is not responsible for consequences arising from the use of the product, including misuse, accident, tampering, flood, fire, earthquake, or external causes. The warranty does not cover products modified without written permission. KHN Solutions does not warrant that the product's operation will be error-free.
To the extent permitted by law, this warranty and the remedies are exclusive. KHN Solutions specifically disclaims statutory or implied warranties, including warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Any implied warranties are limited in duration to the express warranty period.
No reseller, agent, or employee of KHN Solutions is authorized to modify this warranty. If any term is held illegal or unenforceable, the remaining terms remain unaffected.
KHN Solutions is not responsible for direct, special, incidental, or consequential damages, including loss of use, revenue, profits, or goodwill.
The accuracy of this device has been established at Blood Alcohol Concentrations of 0.008% and 0.032%. Accuracy above 0.032% has not been established.
Some jurisdictions may not allow limitations on implied warranties or consequential damages. This warranty gives you specific legal rights that may vary by location.
Obtaining Warranty Service
If your product is not operating properly, please read the manual carefully. For warranty service, obtain a Return Authorization (RA) number by calling 877-334-6876 or emailing support@bactrack.com. When shipping the product back, package it carefully and use a major carrier (UPS, FedEx, USPS, etc). Include your RA number, name, address, phone number, and a copy of the original sales receipt.
BACtrack | The Leader in Breathalyzers
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