BAT Quality Assurance Protocols 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the purpose of an Alcohol Reference Solution (ARS) in evidential breath testing?
- To clean the mouthpiece before testing
- To verify the accuracy of the breath test instrument (Correct answer)
- To calibrate the operator's technique
- To measure the subject's hydration level
Correct answer: To verify the accuracy of the breath test instrument
An Alcohol Reference Solution is used to verify that the breath test instrument is producing accurate readings at a known alcohol concentration.
Question 2: Under DOT regulations, how often must an external calibration check be performed on an Evidential Breath Testing device?
- Every 14 days or 150 tests, whichever comes first (Correct answer)
- Every 30 days or 500 tests, whichever comes first
- Once per month regardless of test volume
- Every 7 days or 100 tests, whichever comes first
Correct answer: Every 14 days or 150 tests, whichever comes first
DOT regulations (49 CFR Part 40) require external calibration checks every 14 days or 150 tests, whichever occurs first.
Question 3: Which document must be retained to demonstrate that an EBT passed its most recent calibration check?
- The manufacturer's warranty card
- The calibration check log or printout (Correct answer)
- The employee's training certificate
- The chain of custody form
Correct answer: The calibration check log or printout
A calibration check log or printout showing passing results must be retained as proof that the instrument was functioning correctly.
Question 4: If the ARS reading on an EBT falls outside acceptable accuracy limits, the BAT must:
- Proceed with testing but note the discrepancy
- Use a different mouthpiece and retest
- Take the device out of service immediately (Correct answer)
- Average two ARS readings to determine acceptability
Correct answer: Take the device out of service immediately
If the ARS reading is outside acceptable limits, the EBT must be taken out of service until it is recalibrated and passes a new accuracy check.
Question 5: What is the acceptable range for an ARS confirmation reading on an EBT set to target 0.080 g/210L?
- 0.076–0.084 g/210L (Correct answer)
- 0.070–0.090 g/210L
- 0.075–0.085 g/210L
- 0.078–0.082 g/210L
Correct answer: 0.076–0.084 g/210L
DOT requires that an ARS reading fall within ±0.005 g/210L of the target value, so for a 0.080 target the range is 0.076–0.084.
Question 6: Who is responsible for ensuring that an EBT used for DOT-mandated testing appears on the NHTSA Conforming Products List (CPL)?
- The subject being tested
- The laboratory processing the sample
- The employer or testing facility (Correct answer)
- The state DMV
Correct answer: The employer or testing facility
The employer or testing facility is responsible for ensuring only NHTSA CPL-listed devices are used for DOT-mandated breath alcohol testing.
Question 7: During a quality assurance check, a BAT notices the EBT's printer is malfunctioning. What is the correct action?
- Record results manually and continue testing
- Conduct the test and fax the results later
- Use the device but document the printer issue on the CCF
- Remove the device from service and use a backup EBT (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Remove the device from service and use a backup EBT
If the EBT's printer fails, the device cannot produce the required printed result record, so the BAT must switch to a backup EBT.
BAT Quality Assurance Protocols 2
What is the purpose of an Alcohol Reference Solution (ARS) in evidential breath testing?