Self-Test for Breath Alcohol

Alcohol, Breath Test

What Affects the Test

No home test is 100% accurate. The results may not be helpful if you:

• Have trace amounts of alcohol left in your mouth from an alcoholic drink or even a mouthwash.
• Smoke. Do not smoke for 1 to 5 minutes before doing the test.
• Have had a drink within 30 minutes of performing the test. Your actual blood alcohol level may continue to rise after the test.

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Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC	Last Updated: August 28, 2006
Medical Review:	Tom Bailey, MD - Family Medicine Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine R. Steven Tharratt, MD, MPVM, FACP, FCCP - Pulmonology, Critical Care, Medical Toxicology
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