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The Best Breathalyzers

Under no circumstances should one drink and drive. However, when used responsibly, portable breathalyzers can be an invaluable tool to tell someone's blood alcohol content (BAC). Portable breathalyzers come in two varieties, according to the Personal Health Monitor Blog. The first kind is the fuel cell variety, and the second is powered by a semiconductor. The fuel cell breathalyzers are more expensive, but they are more accurate and often the type used by law enforcement. Semiconductor breathalyzers make up the bulk of the home market. They are not as accurate, but they are more affordable.

  1. Lifeloc FC-10

    • The Lifeloc FC-10 has long been the industry standard in portable breathalyzers. This is a fuel-cell breathalyzer. It is rather expensive, but according to "New York Newsday," it is able to "provide a dead-on accurate reading in less than five seconds." It can cost up to $500, but it is built to last. It can run 8,000 tests on four AA batteries, and it is small enough to fit in your pocket.

    BreathKey Keychain Breathalyzer

    • The BreathKey Keychain Breathalyzer has the unique selling point of being one of the only portable breathalyzers that is also a functional keychain, making it easy to carry with you anywhere. The keychain design is a selling point that makes safety a top priority, but the Personal Health Monitor Blog reports that this keychain breathalyzer fails to alert users when they have reached illegal levels of intoxication. The BreathKey Breathalyzer retails for about $70.

    AlcoHawk

    • AlcoHawk makes several different portable breathalyzers, and is recognized as one of the highest quality semiconductor breathalyzer makers in the market. The major selling points of multiple AlcoHawk models are their accuracy, attractive design, reasonable prices, and approval from the U.S. Department of Transportation. Newsday reports that many police agencies use the AlcoHawk brand for initial tests. Most AlcoHawk models are around $100.

    BACtrack

    • BACtrack breathalyzers are quickly gaining popularity in the portable breathalyzer market. With models ranging in price from $70 to $250, there is one for every budget. These breathalyzers are semiconductor breathalyzers. BACtrack is notable for the size of its breathalyzers. Some models are smaller than an iPod, measuring 4 inches tall and less than 1 inch thick. BACtrack models can measure blood alcohol levels from 0.00 to 0.40.

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