Bactrack Element User Manual

BREATHALYZER

ELEMENT

OWNER’S
MANUAL

TABLE OF CONTENTS

This device is intended to measure
alcohol in human breath. Measurements
obtained by this device are used in the
diagnosis of alcohol intoxication.

Introduction ................... 1

Dose-specific Effects of Alcohol ... 4

Preparation ................... 6

Components Diagram ........... 6

Operation .................... 7

Specifications .................. 9

Precautions .................. 10

Verification and Calibration ......11

One-Year Limited Warranty ..... 12

Track your B.A.C. – BACTRACK!

INTRODUCTION

The BACTRACK® Element Breathalyzer is a professional alcohol
screening device, used for the detection of alcohol in the
breath. The BACTRACK provides a digital result, indicating the
approximate BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) of the test subject.
The BACTRACK is powered by two AAA batteries and is very
easy to use. Simply turn on the unit and begin testing in a matter
of seconds. However, before you begin testing, there are a few
things you should know. Please take a moment to read your
owner’s manual in its entirety and familiarize yourself with
the BACTRACK.

Alcohol and Its Effects on the Human Body

Alcohol is absorbed from the mouth, throat, stomach and
intestines into the bloodstream.

Alcohol ingested by the human body can be detected in the
breath because of its presence in the bloodstream.

Alcohol cannot be digested, and it cannot be chemically
changed in the bloodstream. As the blood flows through the
lungs, alcohol in the bloodstream moves across the membranes
of the lung’s air sacs (alveoli) into the air. The concentration of
the alcohol in the alveolar air is directly related to the concentra­tion of the alcohol in the blood. As the alveolar air is exhaled, the
alcohol in it can be detected by the breath alcohol testing device.

1

The alcohol concentration in the breath is related to that in the
blood, and because of this, an individual’s BAC can be deter­mined by measuring alcohol in the breath. The ratio of breath
alcohol to blood alcohol is generally estimated to be 2,100:1.
Therefore, 2,100 milliliters (ml) of alveolar air will contain ap­proximately the same amount of alcohol as 1 ml of blood.

Alcohol is a Drug

Alcohol is the chemical (ethanol or ethyl alcohol) resulting from
the fermentation of grapes or grain. Alcohol is absorbed directly
into your bloodstream. From your bloodstream, the fluids in your
body tissues absorb the alcohol. Your brain is made up of a
large concentration of fluids and will absorb a large amount of
any alcohol you drink. Your liver eliminates the absorbed alcohol
at its own rate of time and nothing you eat or drink can speed up
the process. Your liver does this by oxidizing the alcohol (convert­ing it into water and carbon dioxide). Coffee, food or any other
“cure” will not sober you up. Only time will do that.

How does alcohol affect my body?

Alcohol is a depressant. It has a relaxing effect on the muscles in
your body. The muscles of your eyes relax and lose focus. Your
eyesight will become fuzzy and you may experience double
vision. Brain activity is slowed. Your judgment, reflexes, and
coordination are all negatively affected.

2

Some vision impairments that occur when you have been
drinking include:

•Narrowing of your field of vision

•Reduction in your depth perception

•Decreased ability to see in darkness

• Increased sensitivity to glare and a longer time

for your eyes to readjust from the glare

Some mental (brain) impairment can occur when you have
been drinking, including:

•Reduced awareness of danger

•Becoming overly confident and reckless

•Difficulty in making decisions

•Reduction in balance

•Slowed reflexes

•Impaired judgment

How does alcohol affect my driving?

We can’t emphasize enough how dangerous it is for you to
drink and drive. Your vision and your brain are the most impor­tant factors in driving safely. If you jeopardize either by drinking,
and then you drive, you are likely to be involved in a serious or
fatal collision.

From California Department of Motor Vehicles (http://www.dmv.ca.gov)

3

DOSE-SPECIFIC EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL

BAC Dose-Specific Effects

0.02-0.03% Slight euphoria. Loss of shyness. Depres­sant effects are not apparent. Impairment
possible in some individuals.

*

0.04-0.06% Feeling of well-being, relaxation, lower

0.07-0.09% Slight impairment of balance, speech, vi-

0.10-0.12% Significant impairment of motor coordina-

inhibitions and sensation of warmth.
Euphoria. Some minor impairment of rea­soning and memory. Lowering of caution.

Driving skills may be impaired at this level
of intoxication.

sion, reaction time, and hearing. Euphoria.
Judgment and self-control are reduced.
Caution, reason and memory are im­paired. Driving skills are always impaired

at this level of intoxication and higher.

tion and loss of good judgment. Speech
may be slurred. Balance, vision, reac­tion time and hearing will be impaired.
Euphoria.

4