Breath Alcohol Technician Equipment Calibration & Maintenance Flashcards

What is the minimum blow time required for a valid breath sample on most DOT-approved EBTs?

Answer: At least 6 continuous seconds

Most EBTs require at least 6 seconds of continuous exhalation to ensure an adequate deep-lung (alveolar) air sample is captured.

A compressed dry gas standard is stamped with an expiration date of March 2026. A BAT attempts to use it in April 2026. What should happen?

Answer: The gas must not be used; an expired standard invalidates any calibration

Expired calibration standards must not be used because the certified alcohol concentration may have drifted, making any calibration result unreliable.

What role does the 'slope detector' or 'plateau detection' feature play in modern EBT technology?

Answer: It identifies the stable end-expiratory alveolar phase of the breath sample

Slope or plateau detection algorithms identify the stable end-expiratory portion of the breath, ensuring the reading reflects deep-lung alveolar air rather than mouth or airway air.

If an EBT's calibration check result is exactly at the outer edge of the acceptable tolerance (e.g., 0.085 for a 0.080 standard), what action should the BAT take?

Answer: Document the result and continue using the device; the result is within tolerance

A result exactly at the tolerance boundary (±0.005) is still acceptable; the BAT documents the result and the device remains in service.

Which of the following is a key difference between an infrared (IR) EBT and a fuel cell EBT in terms of calibration sensitivity?

Answer: IR devices measure a broader spectrum and may require correction for interfering compounds; fuel cells are alcohol-specific

IR devices can potentially respond to other compounds that absorb infrared light similarly to ethanol, so interference correction may be needed; fuel cells are highly selective for ethanol.

A BAT finds that the EBT's calibration logbook has a gap — one scheduled 30-day check was not performed. What is the appropriate response?

Answer: Perform the overdue check immediately and note the gap in the log with an explanation

The BAT should perform the overdue calibration check immediately, document the gap and the reason in the log, and continue per normal procedures if the check passes.

What is the correct procedure when a dry gas standard cylinder is found to be nearly empty during a calibration check?

Answer: Complete the calibration check if there is enough pressure for a full reading, then replace the cylinder

If sufficient pressure remains for a valid calibration reading, the check may be completed; however, the nearly-empty cylinder should be replaced before the next testing cycle.