PAS Systems International PAS Vr. Alcohol Screening & Verification System Instruction Manual

PAS Vr.

Alcohol Screening & Verification Unit

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

** Law Enforcement Version **

PAS Systems International, Inc.

215 Southport Dr. Suite 400

Morrisville, NC 27560

www.pasintl.com

(800) 660-SNIF · [phone]

Copyright© 2010 by PAS Systems International Inc., All Rights Reserved

!!! ATTENTION !!!

PLEASE READ

CONTENTS

Introduction 1

Law Enforcement, Schools, Industry 2
How the PAS Vr. Works 3

Basic Features 4

At A Glance Display 5
Initializing 6
Alcohol Screening & Verification 7

Active Breath Sampling 7
Passive Breath Sampling 9
Alternative Method of Sampling 11
Interpreting the Display 12
Low Temperature Operation 13
Detecting Alcohol in Open Containers 13
Clearing Overloads 14

Other Applications 15
Common Questions 16
Hints and Tips 18
Technical Specifications 19

Accessories 19

Quality Assurance Plan 20

Equipment Required for Checking PAS Vr. 21

Instructions for Using Alcohol/Breath Simulator 22

Readying the PAS Vr. for Testing 23
Sensitivity Checking/Testing 24
Calibration Procedure 25
PAS Vr. Calibration (Active/Direct Mode) 26
PAS Vr. Calibration (Passive Mode) 28
PAS Vr. Calibration (Dry Gas) 29
Record Keeping 32

Return, Service & Warranty 33
Bibliography 34

INTRODUCTION

The PAS Vr. Alcohol Screening and Verification System is an advanced portable breath alcohol tester
(PBT) that features both passive alcohol screening and direct measurements with the flip of a switch.
This hand-held analyzer provides both color coded LED's and numeric readout. Individuals who have
been trained in the administration of alcohol screening devices recommend this product.

The PAS Vr. is used to check breath alcohol levels with or without a subject's direct participation or
cooperation. When used without the subject's direct participation it's known as passive breath sampling,
as opposed to active or direct testing where the subject blows directly into a mouthpiece or the intake
port. The PAS Vr. can also be used to detect alcohol from open containers, or to detect low levels of
alcohol in enclosed spaces such as vehicles, lockers or classrooms. The PAS Vr. functions as an
"extension of the operator's nose."

The operator controlled sampling system with mouthpiece guarantees a precise and tamper proof
measurement of the breath sample. The PAS Vr. is especially suited for quick subsequent
measurements.

Testing for Alcohol

The common testing medium for drugs is urine, but using a urine sample for quantitative analysis to
determine a blood alcohol level is not defensible without rigid adherence to complex test procedures.
Blood and urine sample results are available only after a forensic laboratory analysis has been
completed. This can take hours or weeks at a substantial cost. A breath test offers important advantages
by providing immediate results at a cost of pennies per sample. Whether breath tests are used for
screening or evidential purposes, breath alcohol testing offers an accurate, simple, and non-invasive
testing alternative.

A breath sample is easy to obtain, takes less than a minute to analyze, and with proper instrumentation
and training, produces evidentially acceptable results. The procedure is sanitary and inexpensive using
a disposable mouthpiece. Or, alternatively simply "sniffing" (screening) for the presence of alcohol
initially by passive sampling, followed by a more exacting measurement using a disposable mouthpiece.

The American Medical Association has demonstrated that a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .04
percent impairs an individual to some degree. Impairment can occur at even lower levels in some
individuals. As a result, industries that test for alcohol have chosen to use either .04 or zero BrAC as
maximum acceptable levels in the workplace. In Zero Tolerance states, anyone under the age of 21
caught driving with any amount of alcohol is considered illegal. In correctional institutions and prisons no
alcohol is allowed so instrumentation that can quickly and accurately sample inmates, staff, visitors and
enclosed spaces for alcohol can be invaluable.

1

Based on extensive experience with law enforcement agencies, corporations and correctional
institutions, it has been found that no single type of instrument can fill every need. As a result, PAS
Systems has developed alcohol analyzers that meet specific requirements.

Law Enforcement and Corrections

The PAS Vr. is designed specifically for use by law enforcement, correctional officers, security
personnel, and school officials. It can be operated with one hand, leaving the other completely free. The
instrument is easy to use, and has been designed to withstand the physical conditions experienced in
operational situations. It is resistant to adverse weather conditions and mechanical shocks.

Industry

The PAS Vr. has been used very successfully as an alcohol deterrent in industry. When used as a rapid
screening device to detect alcohol in human breath, the PAS Vr. will help you decide whether to use an
evidential breath tester (EBT) in individual employee cases. The PAS Vr. is designed for industry and
transportation agencies and complies with the U.S. Department of Transportation requirements for
workplace testing regulations according to 49 CFR, Part 40.

Individuals who have been trained in the administration of screening devices recommend the PAS Vr.
Careful review of this manual will prepare and qualify you for using the PAS Vr. as a reliable and precise
procedure in the testing of employees for the presence of breath alcohol.

Zero Tolerance

The U. S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

encourages states to enact zero tolerance laws designed to reduce drinking and driving among younger
drivers. Such laws should: (a) establish that any measurable amount (.02 maximum) of alcohol in the
blood, breath, or urine of a driver under the age of 21 would be an “illegal per se” offense; (b) provide for
immediate driver license suspension periods for those under 21 who exceed the applicable breath
alcohol concentration (BrAC) limit.

However, many other situations call for zero tolerance of alcohol. For example, in any correctional
institution alcohol is not allowed, inmate work release programs, in-home incarceration programs,
parolees, and in schools. In drug and alcohol treatment centers and counseling activities, alcohol
consumption must be prohibited and monitored.

The PAS Vr. used in the passive alcohol detection mode is a safe, cost-effective, and reliable method for
all such applications.

Further guidance, training, or questions regarding this precision instrument system, or its use in
screening subjects for the presence of breath alcohol can be obtained by calling 800-660-SNIF.

2

How the PAS Vr. Works

When you use the PAS Vr., a small pump draws a breath sample through an
electrochemical sensor (fuel cell) that generates a small electrical current in the presence
of alcohol vapor. This current is amplified electronically and used to drive a multicolored
bar graph and numeric display. The number of bars lit in the display indicated the
alcohol concentration in the breath sample. The proprietary sensor provides high
precision, short analysis time, and long-term stability. Only true alcohol content is
recorded even when exposed to other breath interfering substances, for example,
acetone.

The PAS Vr. is powered by a 9-volt alkaline battery.
We want you to get the best possible results from your PAS Vr. Please take the time to

study this manual and to practice using the instrument before using it on patrol, in your
company’s U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Alcohol Misuse and Prevention
Program, or Zero - Tolerance program.

3

PAS Vr.

BASIC FEATURES

Proceeding from top to bottom in the diagram below, the components of the PAS Vr. are:

Disposable Disposable mouthpieces supplied
Mouthpiece for active breath testing (BrAC).

Sampling Ports Two small holes let the air sample
pass through the PAS Vr. The inlet

port is on the top, and the outlet
port is on the backside of the unit.

Sampling The testing mode switch controls
Mode Switch the passive (PAS ON) testing
function or the active/direct (AS
ON with mouthpiece) settings.

Bar Graph Nine rectangular LED lamps give
with Numeric an indication of the alcohol level in
Display the air sample. The display is color

coded for easy reading at night
(see pg 12) with numeric display.

Control Button The single push button controls the
sensor and sample pump.

Power Switch Switch controls battery power to

the PAS Vr.

Battery The PAS Vr. uses a 9-Volt alkaline
Battery.

4

AT-A-GLANCE DISPLAY

The PAS Vr. provides 6 indicator lamps located above and below the bar-graph display
(see diagram below). These lamps provide useful feedback when using the PAS Vr.

Sample Pump Indicator

Power On Indicator

A/D Mode

Sensor Indicator

Low Battery Lamp

Heater Indicator

The yellow PMP lamp indicates
when the PAS is taking an air or
breath sample. It comes on for
a few seconds at the beginning
of each alcohol measurement
cycle.

Controls battery current to the
unit indicated by the red lamp at
the top center of display.

The flashing green ACT lamp
indicates the active/direct-
testing (AS) mode is on. If this
lamp is on, you must use a
disposable mouthpiece.

The green LED Lamp indicates
the power to the PAS Vr. is ON.

The red BAT lamp flashes once
a second when the battery is
almost discharged and ready
for replacement.

The orange HTR lamp comes
on when the fuel cell heater is
on. The heater auto-cycles on
and off to maintain an optimum
fuel cell temperature at 104°F
(40°C) +/- 5°

INITIALIZING

After receiving your PAS Vr. it is important to follow these steps:
[1] Install Battery Unpack all the parts shipped with your PAS Vr. Remove

the battery cover and check for a single 9-volt battery.
Install if needed and replace the battery cover.

[2] Turn System On Slide the power switch to the "on" position (on left side of

device). The red lamp should appear at the top/center of
the display. Wait two (2) minutes for unit to initialize.

[3] Heater The heater automatically comes on whenever the system is

on. The orange heater lamp should appear (lower right
corner of display). Wait about two (2) minutes or until the
heater lamp cycles off. The fuel cell heater cycles on and
off as necessary.

[4] Activate Sensor Press, or tap, the black switch button and release

immediately. A small green bar lamp should appear at the
bottom of the display. No other bars should light. A yellow
pump light will appear at top left of display. After 4-5
seconds the pump light will automatically turn off.

The system check is now complete and you are now ready to practice the procedures
explained in this manual.

CAUTION! : Many hand lotions, body creams, perfumes, and colognes, etc. contain
large amounts of alcohol. Whenever those containers are opened or lotion is used, large
amounts of alcohol may be released into the air. If you take samples of air using the
passive test mode, you may detect this ambient alcohol. To eliminate this problem, you
must clear the air with fresh (alcohol free) air or leave that particular area to get reliable
test results.

6

PAS Vr. ALCOHOL SCREENING & VERIFICATION SYSTEM

INSTRUCTIONS

The PAS Vr. is a hand-held breath alcohol-measuring instrument intended for use as an alcohol­screening device to detect deep lung alcohol in human breath when used with the mouthpiece, and no
mouth alcohol is present. Although the PAS Vr. is simple to operate, it is important that the

following procedure is complied with in the order given each time a breath test is run.

ACTIVE /DIRECT BREATH SAMPLING

(Mouthpiece Required)

Step 1: Power On Power on the PAS Vr. a minute or two before you plan to test. The

power-on switch will automatically activate the fuel cell heater to
ensure the unit responds quickly to alcohol. The orange HTR lamp
will cycle on and off as the thermostat regulates the fuel cell
temperature (see page 13).

Step 2: Battery Check Check that the red low-battery (BAT) lamp is not flashing. If it is, the

battery should be replaced before using the PAS Vr.

Step 3: Zero Check If you are unsure if the fuel cell has recovered from the previous

sample, check a sample of alcohol-free air and verify that no bars
light up in the display. Observe for about 15-20 seconds. If bars do
light up, wait a minute, then try again. In severe cases, refer to the
section on Overload Recovery on page 14.

Step 4: Subject Testing Set sampling mode switch to active mode (AS ON); (green ACT light

will flash). Securely insert a "new" disposable mouthpiece into the
intake port of the PAS Vr. Insert the opposite end into the mouth of
the subject. Have subject take a deep breath - hold - and slowly but
steadily exhale into the mouthpiece. As the subject exhales, tap and
release the black switch button. A green LED will appear at the
bottom of the display and the yellow pump light in the left upper
corner comes on as the breath sample is collected. (SEE NOTE ­PAGE 8)

Step 5: Peak Reading After the yellow pump light goes out you may remove the PAS Vr.

mouthpiece from the mouth of the subject to observe the display.
The pump draws air through the fuel cell for about 5 seconds. If there
is alcohol present the bars in the main display will start lighting up,

with a peak reading within 15 seconds or less.

7

Step 6: PAS Vr. Off After noting/recording the peak reading, press the control button

again and release it immediately. The main display will turn off, and
the fuel cell will recover. Remove and dispose of the mouthpiece.

Step 7: Power Off Turn power switch to the “off” position to conserve the battery

when the system is not in use for extended periods, e.g.,
overnight, weekends, etc.

Step 8: Record Results Record results into a suitable log; note the number of bars or the

numeric value (express results in terms of weight of alcohol (gm) per
volume of breath (liters)) of the bar-graph that light up, if any. If no
bars light up record "Negative for Detectable Levels of Breath
Alcohol" and have the subject initial the recorded results. If bars
light up indicating the concentration of alcohol, the employee if in the
commercial transportation industry must be given an Evidential
Breath Test (EBT) using a NHTSA/ D.O.T. approved EBT device.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and D.O.T approved
procedures (49CFR Part 40) for conducting the EBT.

Note: Give the subject exact instructions as to what he/she is required to do in order to provide a
suitable sample of breath for analysis. Tell the subject that he/she must fill his/her lungs and then blow
slowly but firmly, and continue to blow until you tell him/her to stop. Finally, tell the subject to keep
his/her hands down away from the instrument.

ATTACH MOUTHPIECE

Take a new PAS Vr. mouthpiece and check that the packaging is still intact. IMPORTANT! Use only

the PAS Vr. mouthpieces; these are designed and produced for PAS Systems. Do Not
Substitute! It is important the mouthpiece is attached to the instrument in such a way that your fingers

do not touch the actual blowing end, otherwise the subject may refuse to take it into his or her mouth on
the grounds of alleged lack of hygiene. Hold the mouthpiece, through the wrapper, between the thumb
and forefinger around the blowing end and peel or force the mouthpiece through the wrapper so as to
expose the small tip and about half of the barrel. Insert the tip into the sampling port on the right side of
the PAS Vr. instrument, then firmly seat. The mouthpiece body should fit positively into place and stay.
Having attached the mouthpiece, finally remove the wrapper from the blowing end, and dispose of it
properly. You may wish to retain the wrapper to remove the mouthpiece once the test is complete, and
dispose of the two items together, or you may ask the subject to remove their own mouthpiece by pulling
straight out.