Alcotest 7410 GLC
Operator Manual
Prepared By:
Toxicology Services
National Forensic Services
(Amended April 2011)
Table of Contents
Introduction .................................................................. 1
Physiology of Breath Testing .................................................... 2
Description .................................................................. 3
Operation of The Alcotest 7410 GLC ............................................. 4
Theoretical Considerations ...................................................... 6
Precautions When Using The GLC ............................................... 7
Discrepancies Between the ASD and Evidentiary Results .............................. 8
Error Messages And Maintenance ................................................ 9
Law and Field Use of the Alcotest 7410 GLC ...................................... 10
Glossary and Abbreviations .................................................... 13
Note:
The instructions, procedures and policies included in this manual were in effect
at the time of its writing. They are subject to revisions imposed by amendments
to the Criminal Code, Saskatchewan Traffic Safety Act or the Vehicle
Administration Act, case law decisions, manufacturers instructions and changes
to RCMP or other police department policies.
Introduction
Alcotest 7410 GLC User’s Manual
A peace officer must have reasonable and
probable grounds to believe a person has
committed an offence under Section 253 of
the Criminal Code before demanding an
evidentiary breath test. This means the
peace officer must believe that the person
was driving while either 1) impaired or
2) the blood alcohol concentration exceeded
80 mg% (milligrams of alcohol in 100
millilitres of blood). It is important for the
peace officer to understand the distinction
between these two possibilities.
Grounds for impaired driving are acquired
by observing the driving pattern, physical
appearance and other symptoms displayed
by the subject. Sobriety tests can be useful,
too, although you may need to give a
warning to the subject to avoid admissibility
issues in court. Obtaining grounds this way
is often time-consuming and dependent on
the experience and judgement of the peace
officer. Also, individuals experienced in the
consumption of alcohol may show few or no
effects and avoid detection.
still represent a high risk of being
responsible for a motor vehicle accident.)
To detect impaired drivers, the peace officer
needs to use the second means of acquiring
reasonable and probable grounds. This is a
roadside test that allows the peace officer to
form the belief that the BAC exceeds
80 mg%.
The development of accurate and rapid
scientific instruments capable of being used
at the roadside was a major milestone in
impaired driving enforcement. The first
approved screening device (ASD) was
introduced in 1977. Several different
instruments are currently included in the
Approved Screening Devices Order.
Among them are the Alcotest 7410 PA3 and
the Alcotest 7410 GLC. Both of these are
distributed and serviced in Canada by
Dräger Canada of Mississauga, Ontario. The
PA3 and GLC are identical except that the
PA3 gives analog readings only
(PASS-ALERT-FAIL) while the GLC gives
a digital readout in the PASS range.
The average blood alcohol concentration
(BAC) of drivers apprehended this way is in
the range of 160 to 170 mg%, well beyond
the legal limit. This means that mostly
intoxicated drivers are apprehended in this
manner and not impaired drivers.
(Intoxicated drivers are severely impaired
and demonstrate gross physical symptoms.
Impaired drivers show few symptoms but
NOTE: Saskatchewan uses the GLC model
almost exclusively and reference will be
made throughout this manual to the GLC.
Unless otherwise indicated, all information
also applies to the PA3. For conciseness,
“GLC” is sometimes used as an
abbreviation for “Alcotest 7410 GLC.”
A peace officer should have thorough
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Alcotest 7410 GLC User’s Manual
knowledge of the GLC before using it to
obtain grounds for an approved instrument
demand. The following material will
describe the operation, some theoretical
Physiology of Breath Testing
This brief chapter is included to explain
how breath samples are used to determine
the blood alcohol concentration.
When a person consumes an alcoholic
beverage, it passes from the mouth and
esophagus to the stomach and small
intestine where it is absorbed into the blood
stream. The absorption of alcohol is quite
rapid, generally taking 20 to 30 minutes
after consumption to reach the maximum
reading. The absorption time is affected by
the type and amount of food in the stomach
and the type of beverage consumed. Once in
the blood stream, the alcohol is distributed
to all parts of the body including the lungs,
brain and liver. It is the depressant action of
alcohol in the brain that causes impairment
and intoxication.
Elimination of the alcohol begins
immediately after it has entered the blood.
Most of the alcohol (90 – 98%) is
eliminated by metabolism in the liver. The
remainder (2 – 10%) is eliminated
considerations, and law and policy
concerning the use of the
Alcotest 7410 GLC.
unchanged through urine, sweat, breath and
other body fluids. Unlike absorption, the
elimination process is slow. The average
elimination rate is 15 mg% per hour.
The basis for all breath test instruments is
that alcohol is eliminated unchanged in the
breath. There is a fixed and known
relationship between the amount of alcohol
in the breath and the amount of alcohol in
the blood. This relationship (essentially the
principle of breath testing) is:
2100 parts of deep lung air contain the
same amount of alcohol as one part
of blood.
Because this ratio has been well established
in scientific experiments, it is possible to
collect a measured volume of breath,
analyze it for alcohol and convert the result
to a blood alcohol content. This principle is
used by all breath test instruments,
including the GLC.
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Description
Alcotest 7410 GLC User’s Manual
3
Alcotest 7410 GLC User’s Manual
Operation of The Alcotest 7410 GLC
Before using the GLC, the operator should
be aware of the calibration and battery
charge status.
A. Calibration Status
The calibration of the GLC is checked every
two weeks to ensure proper results are
obtained. This duty can only be performed
by a designated calibrator who has taken
the required training. Upon completing the
calibration process, the calibrator affixes a
sticker showing the date of the last
calibration. If the current date is more than
two weeks from the last calibration date, do
not use the GLC. Return the device to a
calibrator.
B. Battery Charge
The power supply for the GLC is either a
rechargeable nickel cadmium (NiCd) battery
pack or a non-rechargeable alkaline battery
pack containing three disposable C-size 1.5
volt batteries. Regardless of what power
supply is used, the device has a “Lo Bat”
indicator which will appear in the lower left
hand corner of the liquid crystal display
(LCD). The device must be turned on to see
this indicator. If you are using NiCd
batteries, a “Lo Bat” indicator means battery
power is low and operation can be
continued for only a few minutes. Return
the device to the charging unit. If you are
using disposable alkaline batteries, “Lo Bat”
will come on as part of the normal
operational cycle. It does not indicate that
the batteries must be replaced. When there
is insufficient power to conduct a test, the
instrument will automatically shut off.
NOTE: The users must be aware of which
device they have. Only GLCs which have
rechargeable batteries should have the
charging unit at your detachment. The type
of batteries your device has should be
confirmed with the calibrator. This is
important not only for operational reasons,
but for safety reasons as well. Do not
attempt to charge a GLC that has
non-rechargeable batteries.
C. Operational Procedure
Once you have determined the calibration
and battery charge status, you are ready to
proceed into the normal operational cycle.
This cycle consists of the following:
1. Press the button (shaded grey) on the
right side of the device once.
2. The yellow “On” light illuminates and a
self test is carried out.
3. A brief indication of the display option
for the device is shown, followed by the
model designation (GLC).
4. This is followed by the display
“ - - - wait ”
5. After 10 to 30 seconds the “wait”
indication goes out and the green
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Alcotest 7410 GLC User’s Manual
“Ready” light comes on (below the
“On” light). It is accompanied by a short
audible tone.
6. Attach a new mouthpiece into the
grommet at the top of the device.
7. Instruct the person to blow. The sample
must be of sufficient force and
continuous. Instructions similar to
“Blow long and hard until I tell you to
stop” are appropriate. A proper sample
is indicated by a continuous audible
tone.
8. If a proper sample is provided, the green
light goes out and the tone ceases. This
may take 4 to 12 seconds, depending on
the sample.
9. In 10 - 25 seconds the measured value is
displayed. Note and record the result.
10. Turn off the device by pressing the side
button twice.
D. Improper Sample
If the sample was interrupted, too short or
too weak, an “E0” indication is briefly
displayed. The “Ready” light goes out and
the tone ceases, followed by two short
audible signals. When the “Ready” light
reappears, instruct the person to blow again.
No results will be displayed until a proper
breath sample is received.
E. Alcotest 7410 GLC Results
The GLC model gives digital results from
0 to 49 mg%. An “A” is displayed when the
BAC is from 50 to 99 mg% , and an “F”
when the BAC is 100 mg% or higher.
Digital results = 0 to 49 mg%
“A” = 50 to 99 mg%
“F” = 100 mg% and
greater
The action a peace officer takes after each
of these test results is discussed in the
chapter on “Law and Field Use of the
Alcotest.”
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Alcotest 7410 GLC User’s Manual
Theoretical Considerations
The Alcotest 7410 GLC measures the
alcohol concentration in the breath using an
electro-chemical sensor called a fuel cell.
This fuel cell is heated as part of the
“READY” process. When the “Ready” light
appears the subject blows into the device.
After a specified volume of breath (greater
than 1.2 litres at a flow of more than 6 litres
per minute ) has been provided, a pump
supplies a small volume of this deep lung
breath to the fuel cell for analysis.
If the sample contains alcohol, a chemical
reaction occurs where the alcohol is
converted to acetaldehyde. This reaction
involves a release of electrons, resulting in
an electric current in the fuel cell. A
microprocessor evaluates this current to
determine the BAC. The BAC is displayed
in the LCD window. Normally the result is
provided in 10 to 25 seconds.
As indicated, there are two reaction
processes. The first reaction is fast and
allows the BAC to be measured quickly.
The second reaction is slow and must go to
completion before another test can be
conducted. The time interval before the next
test can be performed depends on the
magnitude of the previous reading. If it was
high, the build-up of acetaldehyde and
electrons is greater and it will take longer
for the second reaction to complete.
A schematic of these reactions is shown in
the figure below.
The time necessary before the GLC is
“Ready” for the next test is proportional to
the size of the previous reading. Normally,
such a recovery time can be expected to
range from as little as 20 seconds to as much
as three minutes depending upon the last
reading.
6
Precautions When Using The GLC
Alcotest 7410 GLC User’s Manual
1. Mouth Alcohol
All deep lung breath samples originate in
the lower part of the lungs and pass through
the mouth before entering the Alcotest. Any
alcohol present in the mouth during this
time will contaminate the breath sample.
The raw alcohol, because of its high
concentration, saturates the breath sample
and produces a high result. For example, an
“F” might be obtained when the true result
should be an “A” or “P.” Mouth alcohol
occurs after recent consumption of alcoholic
beverages or if a belch or burp brings up
alcohol from the stomach. This residual
alcohol disappears rapidly, usually in fifteen
minutes or less.
Try to establish the time of the last drink
and ensure fifteen minutes has passed from
that time before conducting the test. This
will minimize the possibility of a falsely
high ASD test.
important that you have the person stop.
Then wait for at least three minutes before
taking a breath sample.
3. Radio Frequency Interference
The GLC should not be used within 30 cm
of the antenna of any police radio
equipment in use. It is permissible to use it
in the police vehicle.
4. Vent
The vent at the rear of the instrument (below
the mouthpiece grommet) must not be
blocked or it will disrupt normal sampling.
5. Temperature
Cold temperatures (# 5°C) could affect the
operation of the instrument. Use of the GLC
should be restricted to the inside of the
police vehicle.
NOTE: High alcohol concentrations
obtained from mouth alcohol could shorten
the life of the electro-chemical sensor.
2. Smoking
Tobacco smoke in the expired air can cause
damage to the electro-chemical sensor. If
the subject taking the test is smoking, it is
6. Handling
Do not allow the subject to hold the
instrument. It is recommended that the
police officer use the wrist strap. Store the
instrument carefully to prevent damage.
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Alcotest 7410 GLC User’s Manual
Discrepancies Between the ASD and Evidentiary Results
There may be occasions when the GLC
result does not correspond with the results
from the subsequent evidentiary test. For
example, an “F” result (indicating a BAC
greater than 100 mg%) was obtained on the
ASD but the subsequent result on an
approved instrument was less than 100
mg%. These discrepancies are due to one
(or a combination) of three reasons:
1. Time delay
There is a delay between the time of the
GLC test at the roadside and the time of the
breath test at the detachment. The BAC of
the subject does not remain constant during
this time. It will normally decline due to the
elimination process (approximately
15 mg%/hr). So the BAC at the time of the
GLC test is normally higher than at the time
of the evidentiary test, particularly if the
time delay is large.
2. Mouth alcohol
Mouth alcohol was discussed earlier. If the
observation period was not properly
observed, there may be residual alcohol in
the mouth at the time of the GLC test. This
will cause the ASD test to be higher than the
evidentiary test.
3. Tolerance of the instruments
All scientific instruments have a distinct
precision. It is often called the tolerance
and is expressed with a plus and minus
value (e.g. ± 10 mg%). No instrument will
give exactly the same result when analyzing
the same sample time after time (if that was
possible). The instrument will give one
result most of the time, but also results
which can be either slightly lower or higher
than the most common result.
The tolerance of an approved instrument
and the Alcotest 7410 GLC is ± 10 mg% of
the observed result. Any comparison of
results from these two instruments must
consider their tolerances. An apparent
discrepancy can occur when the tolerance of
either one or both of the units is at the
extreme. It is important to realize that a
discrepancy in this case does not mean an
error exists in either the ASD or the
evidentiary instrument.
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Error Messages And Maintenance
Alcotest 7410 GLC User’s Manual
Although the Alcotest 7410 GLC is a
reliable instrument, there can be occasional
problems. Some of them will require
of the device. The following table lists error
codes which may be encountered by the
Operator.
maintenance or repair. If so, the calibrator
will be responsible for co-ordinating service
Problem Cause Remedy
Instrument switches off automatically ! Power supply unit discharged
! Instrument has been left ready for
more than 4 minutes
“On” light is not lit after switching on, or
is only faintly lit;
the display shows incomplete symbols
Ready light not lit after switching on and
4 minute interval
No continuous tone when blowing into
the instrument
E0 Subject not blowing hard or evenly
Power supply unit is completely flat, or
12-Volt connection defective
(if applicable)
Instrument malfunction Refer to calibrator for possible return to
Instrument not ready for measurement Wait until green Ready-light is lit.
enough
Charge power supply unit or replace
batteries (refer to Calibrator)
Recharge power supply unit or replace
batteries. Replace 12 V. connection if
indicated. **
Dräger Service.
Remind subject how to blow
E1 Sensor fault Switch device off and on. If E1 re-
appears, sensor must be replaced by
Dräger Service. Advise calibrator.
E5 Fault in sampling system Repeat measurement. If E5 re-appears,
advise calibrator. Call Dräger Service.
E6 Instrument malfunction Advise calibrator. Call Dräger Service.
** The power supply for the GLC can be rechargeable NiCd batteries or disposable C-size batteries. The
manufacturer's specifications indicate the NiCd pack can provide up to 300 tests between charges, while the
disposable alkaline batteries can produce 600 tests before replacement. An optional 12 V adaptor is also available
for in-vehicle use. Replacement NiCd battery packs are available from the manufacturer, and alkaline batteries can
be replaced locally.
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Alcotest 7410 GLC User’s Manual
Law and Field Use of the Alcotest 7410 GLC
The use of approved screening devices in
Canada is governed by the Criminal Code.
The user should be familiar with those
sections of the Code that deal with approved
screening devices and drinking-driving in
general. There is also operational policy in
place to ensure a uniform approach to
drinking-driving enforcement throughout
the province. This section discusses the law
and policy related to the use of ASDs.
Although this manual deals with the
Alcotest 7410 GLC, the law and policy are
the same for all ASDs.
A. Criminal Code Sections
The sections dealing with the use of ASDs
are listed below. These sections should be
well known to peace officers who have been
involved in previous drinking-driving
investigations. They are reviewed here for
completeness and continuity.
Section 253(1)(a) C.C. - the offence of
impaired driving.
the blood of a person and that is
approved for the purposes of this
section by order of the Attorney
General of Canada;
The key here is that before any screening
device can be used, it must be approved for
use and appear on the Approved Screening
Devices Order. The Alcotest 7410 GLC is
included on this order and is therefore
approved for use. For court purposes, the
user must know exactly which device and
model was used.
Section 254(2)(b) C.C. - the demand
section for an ASD.
This section gives the peace officer the
authority to demand a breath sample for
analysis by an ASD on reasonable suspicion
that the person has alcohol in the body.
Section 254(3)(a)(i) C.C. - the demand
section for a breath sample into an
approved instrument.
Section 253(1)(b) C.C. - the offence of
exceeding 80 milligrams of alcohol in
100 millilitres of blood.
Section 254(1) C.C. - definitions section for
the drinking-driving offences.
“approved screening device” means a
device of a kind that is designed to
ascertain the presence of alcohol in
Before this demand is made, there must be
reasonable grounds to believe a person has
committed an offence under Sec. 253 C.C.
within the previous three hours. It is here
that the peace officer uses the results from
the ASD test taken under Section 254(2)(b)
C.C.. The “F” (FAIL) indication on the
ASD means the BAC exceeds 80 mg% and
thus provides the reasonable grounds to
believe that the person has committed an
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Alcotest 7410 GLC User’s Manual
offence under Section 253(1)(b) C.C.. When
there is no ASD test, a peace officer must
have obtained reasonable grounds to believe
an offence under Section 253(1)(a) C.C. was
committed. These grounds are obtained
through observation of driving and physical
behaviour.
Section 254(5) C.C.- the offence of refusing
a demand.
This applies to the fail or refusal to comply
with a demand for an ASD test, approved
instrument test or blood sample.
B. Traffic Safety Act
An ASD test result is also useful for the
enforcement of the Saskatchewan Traffic
Safety Act (T.S.A.). Sec 146(1) & 146(3)
T.S.A. says that a person with a BAC of 40
mg% or greater is liable to a license
suspension of 24 hours. The “A” (ALERT)
and “F” (FAIL) indications on the GLC are
the evidence for this suspension.
Under subsection 78.2 of the Saskatchewan
Vehicle Administration Act (V.A.A.) the
licence of a “new driver” is subject to
suspension for thirty days if the BAC
exceeds 40 mg%.
C. Policy Considerations
Besides the Criminal Code, the ASD user
must be aware of Division or departmental
policy related to ASD use. The Operational
Manual and “F” Division policy should be
consulted regularly for up-to-date policy.
Some of the highlights in policy are
presented here. Municipal police officers
should consult their own department policy
manuals. For reference, policy sections
dealing with ASD use are:
Operational Manual 5.2 and APPENDICES
5-2-1& 5-2-2
“F” Div. Supplements 5.2
Conditions of use -
1. “Reasonably Suspect” there is alcohol
in the body pursuant to Sec. 254(2)(b)
C.C.
2. Not to be used if reasonable and
probable grounds for an AI demand can
be obtained from observations and
circumstances alone.
3. Avoid use when it will interfere with
treatment of a hospitalized suspect.
4. Suspect smells of liquor.
5. Observe suspect drinking or observed
by another witness.
6. For demonstrations or instructional
purposes.
Voluntary Use - any use of the ASD other
than Section 254(2)(b) C.C. must be with
the consent of the subject. This includes
testing passengers to determine if they are
able to operate the motor vehicle once the
driver has been suspended under Sections
146(1) or 146(3) T.S.A..
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Alcotest 7410 GLC User’s Manual
Rights to Counsel - If suspect is not under
arrest or detention, Sec. 254(2) C.C. does
not establish a right to legal counsel. If the
subject requests counsel prior to providing
an ASD, explain to him/her that it is just a
screening device, a "fail" will not
automatically result in a charge and he/she
will be able to seek the advice of counsel
prior to providing an Evidentiary Breath
test.
Time before ASD test -
If you have reason to believe the suspect has
consumed alcohol within 15 minutes of
being stopped, inform the suspect a 15
minute delay will be required before
administering the test.
Course of Action After ASD Result -
although circumstances could dictate
variations, the following actions are
normally taken:
1. 0 to 49 mg% on the GLC —
Investigate possibility that drugs or illness
are responsible for condition. OR
Release suspect, unless grounds exists for
suspension under graduated licensing.
2. “A” (ALERT) — suspend licence
under Sec 146(1) & 146(3)T.S.A. or Sec.
78.2 V.A.A. if applicable. Release driver.
3. “F” (FAIL) — demand an evidentiary
breath test in accordance with Section
254(3)(a)(i) C.C. and suspend licence
according to provincial legislation.
If the subsequent approved instrument result
is 100 mg% or greater, charge under
Section 253(1)(b) C.C. and suspend the
licence for 24 hours. A secondary charge of
Sec. 253(1)(a) C.C. can be laid if grounds
exist, e.g. driving & physical evidence.
If the subsequent evidentiary test result is
between 50 and 90 mg%, suspend licence
and release the driver. A charge of Sec.
253(1)(a) C.C. can be laid if grounds exist,
e.g. driving & physical evidence, evidence
of poly-drug use.
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Alcotest 7410 GLC User’s Manual
Glossary and Abbreviations
ASD approved screening device pursuant to the Criminal Code (e.g.
Alcotest 7410 GLC)
BAC blood alcohol concentration
C.C. Criminal Code
evidentiary instrument an approved instrument pursuant to the Criminal Code
(e.g.Intoxilyzer 5000C or Intox EC/IR II)
GLC Alcotest 7410 GLC
T.S.A. Traffic Safety Act
V.A.A. Vehicle Administration Act
mg% milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood
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