The Intoxilyzer 5000

The Intoxilyzer 5000 is the breath-testing machine that is used by most law enforcement agencies to analyze a suspects blood alcohol content (BAC). This should not be confused with the preliminary breath test (PBT) that may be used at the scene of a DWI. The PBT is not admissible as evidence in Court.  The results of the Intoxilyzer 5000 are often admissible and integral to the prosecutions case.

The Intoxilyzer is not infallible. In general, breath testing is based upon the principle that there is a direct relationship between the amount of alcohol in a person's deep lung air to amount of alcohol in the person's blood in the aveolar tissue of the lungs. Breath testing equipment is calibrated based upon the assumption that the ratio of alcohol in the air to the alcohol in the blood is 1 to 2100.

Several factors can affect Intoxilyzer results.

Research has shown the ratio between breath and blood may vary between individuals. This is important since a person with a ratio lower than 2100 to 1 will result in an inaccurate and high blood alcohol test result from a breath sample.

Breathing techniques may also affect the Intoxilyzer 5000 reading. Such as longer breath samples, or shallow breathing or holding your breath may result n a higher reading than their true BAC. 

Residual mouth alcohol in the subject's mouth which retain alcohol, such as denture adhesives, chewing tobacco, gum and others can result in a higher BAC reading as well.

Certain illnesses or disabilities, such as heartburn, liver disease or diabetes, may create chemical reactions in the body which affect an Intoxilyzer reading. 

The temperature a person's breath may have a affect on the accuracy of a breath test.

Intoxilyzer results can be challenged on many fronts such as reviewing intoxilyzer maintenance records, police reports and subject test results.

An attorney experienced in the operation and challenging of Intoxilyzer results is crucial to representing individuals in DWI cases.