NCJ Number
242687
Journal
Canadian Society of Forensic Science Journal Volume: 45 Issue: 4 Dated: December 2012 Pages: 176-178
Date Published
December 2012
Length
3 pages
Annotation
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the calibration stability of the Alco-Sensor FST to ensure that a monthly calibration check schedule is scientifically appropriate.
Abstract
In Canada, during impaired driving investigations, peace officers can utilize an Approved Screening Device (ASD) as a tool to ascertain the presence of alcohol in a person's body. Reliability of breath test results obtained on an ASD require that quality assurance procedures are followed, including a regular calibration check of the device at least once every 31 days. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the calibration stability of the Alco-Sensor FST to ensure that a monthly calibration check schedule is scientifically appropriate. Calibration checks were conducted on five Alco-Sensor FSTs over a period of 7 weeks. Over this period of time, all ASDs provided results within the acceptable range of 95 to 105 milligrams of alcohol in 100 milliliters of blood (mg percent) when challenged with an alcohol standard with a target result of 100 mg percent. None of the five ASDs required recalibration within the 7 week period. The results of this study demonstrate that the calibration of the Alco-Sensor FST is stable beyond the recommended calibration check interval. (Published Abstract)