NCJ Number
209639
Journal
Canadian Society of Forensic Science Journal Volume: 38 Issue: 1 Dated: March 2005 Pages: 21-24
Date Published
March 2005
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This study was conducted to determine the long-term stability of dilute alcohol aqueous solutions used in breath alcohol testing after approximately 26 years of storage at room temperature.
Abstract
Most scientific studies have determined the stability of the alcohol standard at between 1 and 2.25 years, while the longest published stability study is currently 13 years. The current study determined the stability of the alcohol standard after storage of approximately 26 years. Four bottles of four different labeled alcohol concentrations were analyzed in triplicate by headspace gas chromatography using dual columns. The solutions were manufactured at various times in 1978. The initial concentrations of the alcohol standards were verified in 1978 using the modified Widmark method; however, the exact analytical results are no longer available. The expiry dates of the bottles were listed as 1 year from the date of manufacture. All seals were intact at the time of analysis and the solutions did not contain any preservatives. Results of the analyses found that dilute aqueous alcohol standards at concentrations of 3.025 mg/mL and less were remarkably stable when stored at room temperature for approximately 26 years. The greatest percent loss in alcohol occurred in the alcohol standard at the highest concentration and decreased at the lower alcohol concentrations tested. 9 references and 1 figure