The Digital Breath Alcohol Detector "SAFE MATE" measures blood alcohol concentration simply by breath analysis. To understand how this is possible we should consider some basic facts about alcohol in the human body. Lets start with its initial ingestion and proceed through its absorption in the blood supply, to its appearance in the breath and subsequent breakdown in the liver.

When a person consumes an alcoholic drink, the liquid passes quickly from the mouth to the stomach and ultimately, into the small intestine. Although a little alcohol may be absorbed in the blood through the soft mucous lining of the mouth and stomach, most is absorbed in the walls of the small intestine when the stomach valve opens. This process is known as gastric emptying. Alcohol, especially in a strong solution, is able to delay the opening of this valve, which explains why some people may, on occasion consume 2 or 3 straight spirits and still show a low BAC for some time afterwards. It is in the upper part of the intestine, the duodenum, that the alcohol is actually absorbed into the bloodstream. The duodenum walls, besides being permeable, are richly supplied with blood vessels to absorb and array away nutrients from digested food. Most foods such as starches, proteins and fats require digestion by enzymes to make the molecules small and soluble enough to pass directly into the bloodstream. This explains the speed with which the effects of an alcoholic drink may be felt, particularly when this is consumed on an empty stomach.

After consuming a drink containing alcohol, the blood-alcohol concentration rises. When the percent of alcohol in the bloodstream reaches .02 to .03%, you may feel a relaxing"high". When the percentage of alcohol reaches .05 to .10% you have reduced muscular coordination, a longer reaction time, and impaired judgment. Driving a motor vehicle is hazardous at these levels. A person with alcohol levels of 0.1% and above is considered legally intoxicated in most states. (The new federally mandated standard is .08% but individual stated have until 31 December 2002 to implement this standard.) The alcohol content of exhaled air accurately reflects the alcohol content of the blood.

This test will enable you to know how much alcohol it takes to elevate the blood-alcohol level to a dangerous level. Each person's response to alcohol varies. The tests may help you make better decisions about driving after consuming alcohol.

The Digital Acohol Detector "SAFE MATE" is a hand held, portable BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) detector for personal and proffesional use. The "SAFE MATE" employs the same state-of-the-art semiconductor sensor technology that is currently used by law enforcement agencies and reintegration houses Nationwide at a fraction of the cost. The technology combined with a LED digital display is capable of detecting a range of .01 (zero tolerance) to .40.