Lena Savoie
Ignition Interlock Devices (IID) are commonly used to monitor alcohol consumption in individuals with DUI offenses or as a condition of bond or probation. While these devices are designed to be highly accurate, there are several factors that can lead to erroneous readings. For example, certain foods, medications, and personal care products like mouthwash contain alcohol or compounds that can be misinterpreted as alcohol by the device. In addition, natural endogenous alcohol production, smoking, high body temperature, and improper breathing technique during the breath sample collection can all contribute to false readings. Understanding these potential sources of interference is crucial to avoiding complications and ensuring the accuracy of IID results.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cigarette smoking | Long-term cigarette smokers are more prone to incorrect BAC readings due to increased acetaldehyde production |
| Poor breath sample | Devices may require a specific breathing pattern or minimum breath sample; incorrect exhaling can result in a faulty sample |
| High body temperature | Every degree centigrade above the natural body temperature can increase the BAC estimate by up to 10% |
| Natural alcohol production | Humans naturally produce ethanol, and high levels of endogenous alcohol production can lead to intoxication without drinking |
| Imprecise readings | Inherent margin of error in any breath BAC analysis; a reading of .07 could range from .06 to .08 |
| Contaminants | Mouthwash, medication, breath fresheners, certain foods, and environmental factors can cause positive readings |
| Device errors | Software issues, physical damage, or fuse problems can cause errors |
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What You'll Learn
Cigarette smoking
To avoid this, it is recommended that you wait at least 15 minutes after smoking before using an alcohol ignition interlock device. Take a few deep breaths before attempting a test if you are a smoker, and avoid blowing smoke into the device. Rinsing your mouth with water and waiting a few minutes before retesting can also help ensure any residual substances are cleared from your breath.
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Natural alcohol production
An alcohol ignition interlock device may give erroneous readings due to various factors, including natural alcohol production in the body. Natural alcohol production, also known as endogenous ethanol fermentation, occurs when yeast and certain bacteria in the body convert sugars to ethanol and carbon dioxide. This process can lead to elevated blood alcohol levels and symptoms of alcohol intoxication without any external alcohol consumption.
The intestines typically have the highest concentration of bacteria responsible for alcohol production. Consuming large amounts of carbohydrates can increase endogenous alcohol production, as the bacteria ferment these carbohydrates into ethanol. This phenomenon is known as "auto-brewery syndrome" or "gut fermentation syndrome", a rare condition that can result in intoxication without drinking alcohol.
To diagnose auto-brewery syndrome, patients must fast to establish baseline blood alcohol and glucose levels. They are then given a dose of glucose to monitor any increase in blood alcohol and sugar levels. Treatment involves addressing the underlying cause, such as administering antifungal medications or probiotics to restore healthy gut bacteria.
While ignition interlock devices are designed to prevent drunk driving, they are not always accurate. Natural alcohol production in the body, smoking, high body temperature, and improper breathing patterns during the breath test can all contribute to erroneous readings. It is important to be aware of these factors and seek comparison breath tests or consult specialists if erroneous readings occur.
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Mouthwash or medication
Ignition interlock devices (IIDs) are highly accurate and use advanced fuel-cell technology to detect even small traces of alcohol. While rare, certain unexpected sources of alcohol or compounds that mimic alcohol can interfere with the results. Mouthwash, breath sprays, and certain medications can leave trace amounts of alcohol in your mouth that may skew your breath test results. These include cough syrups, liquid cold medicines, asthma inhaler propellants, and hand sanitizers. To avoid this, consider using alcohol-free versions of these products or waiting at least 15 minutes after use before taking your IID test.
If you believe your IID test result is incorrect, it is important to act quickly. Rinse your mouth with water, clear the air inside your vehicle, and then retest after a short wait. If the issue persists, contact customer service for further assistance. Multiple ignition interlock failed tests can lead to penalties such as lockouts or reporting to the authorities.
It is important to note that while the IID may detect the presence of alcohol from these sources, it is not a false positive. The device is accurately identifying the presence of alcohol, but it is not from alcoholic beverages. Additionally, certain health conditions, such as acid reflux or diabetes, can produce substances in your breath that may trigger a positive reading on your IID.
If you are using an IID, it is recommended to avoid consuming certain items or wait at least 15-20 minutes and rinse your mouth with water before submitting a breath sample. This includes avoiding energy drinks, as they can result in enough alcohol in your system to cause a test failure. By following these steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of triggering a positive reading and ensure your IID operates as intended.
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Food and environmental factors
Ignition Interlock Devices (IIDs) are designed to detect alcohol, which is why factors like food, personal care products, and environmental conditions can result in a positive reading.
Food Factors
Foods that ferment or contain small amounts of alcohol can trigger a positive reading. For example, bread, pastries, and ripe fruit can produce trace amounts of alcohol as they break down, which may be detected by your IID. Consuming a lot of carbs can also lead to elevated levels of endogenous alcohol production. Some people even have "auto-brewery syndrome," where their internal alcohol production is so high that they become intoxicated without drinking.
Environmental Factors
Your surroundings can also trigger a positive IID test result. Extreme temperatures or high altitudes can affect breath test readings due to the behaviour of alcohol vapour in different atmospheric conditions. If you're in an extremely cold, hot, or high-altitude environment, it's recommended to let your car adjust to normal temperatures before testing. Additionally, fumes from products like hand sanitizers, perfumes, and colognes often contain alcohol. If used in a confined space like a car, the residual fumes could interfere with your breath sample. To prevent this, ensure the area is well-ventilated before testing, and avoid using these products immediately beforehand.
Other environmental factors include cigarette smoke, where tobacco smoke or its constituents can increase the proportion of false positives. Additionally, vapours from windshield washer fluid can be sucked into the passenger compartment by the defroster, leading to a positive reading.
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Intestinal bacteria
While ignition interlock devices (IIDs) are highly accurate and designed to detect even small traces of alcohol, certain factors can cause erroneous readings. These devices use advanced fuel-cell technology that reacts specifically to alcohol molecules in your breath. However, compounds that mimic alcohol can sometimes interfere with the results.
One factor that can lead to false readings is intestinal bacteria. The human body naturally produces ethanol, and this endogenous alcohol production occurs throughout the body, with the intestines typically having the highest concentration of bacteria that produce alcohol. A high-carb diet can elevate endogenous alcohol production levels. Some individuals even experience "auto-brewery syndrome," where their internal alcohol production is exceptionally high, leading to intoxication without external alcohol consumption.
To avoid erroneous readings due to intestinal bacteria and endogenous alcohol production, it is crucial to maintain a balanced diet and avoid excessive carbohydrate intake. Additionally, rinsing your mouth with water before providing a breath sample can help eliminate any residual alcohol particles from the mouth, ensuring a more accurate reading.
It is important to note that while intestinal bacteria can impact the accuracy of IIDs, other factors, such as certain foods, personal care products, and environmental conditions, can also contribute to false readings. Maintaining awareness of these factors and taking preventative measures can help ensure the reliability of IID results.
If you suspect that your IID is giving false readings due to intestinal bacteria or other factors, it is recommended to consult a specialist or seek legal advice to address the issue and prevent potential complications.
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