BAT Quality Assurance Protocols 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What action must a BAT take if an EBT displays an 'invalid sample' or 'interference detected' message during a test?
- Record the result as 0.000 and continue
- Conduct a second test immediately with the same device
- Void the test and document the malfunction on the CCF (Correct answer)
- Ask the subject to wait 20 minutes and retest
Correct answer: Void the test and document the malfunction on the CCF
An 'invalid sample' message means the test cannot be evaluated; the BAT must void the test and note the reason on the Alcohol Testing Form.
Question 2: Which of the following is a required element of a Quality Assurance Plan (QAP) for EBT devices?
- List of all subjects tested in the prior year
- Inspection, maintenance, and calibration procedures (Correct answer)
- Operator personal identification numbers
- Subject medical history records
Correct answer: Inspection, maintenance, and calibration procedures
A QAP must include documented procedures for inspection, maintenance, and calibration of each EBT model used.
Question 3: An EBT's self-diagnostic check fails at the start of a test sequence. The BAT should:
- Override the diagnostic and proceed
- Complete a second diagnostic cycle before proceeding
- Remove the device from service (Correct answer)
- Manually enter a passing diagnostic code
Correct answer: Remove the device from service
A failed self-diagnostic indicates the instrument may not be functioning correctly and it must be removed from service.
Question 4: What is the purpose of the 'air blank' reading that an EBT conducts before and between breath samples?
- To warm up the instrument's sensor
- To confirm the breath channel is free of residual alcohol (Correct answer)
- To measure ambient humidity
- To set the sensitivity threshold for the subject
Correct answer: To confirm the breath channel is free of residual alcohol
The air blank reading ensures no residual alcohol remains in the instrument's breath chamber from a previous test or environmental source.
Question 5: According to 49 CFR Part 40, what value must an air blank reading show to allow testing to continue?
- 0.000 g/210L (Correct answer)
- Below 0.005 g/210L
- Below 0.010 g/210L
- Exactly 0.001 g/210L
Correct answer: 0.000 g/210L
The air blank must read 0.000 g/210L; any non-zero reading requires the BAT to take corrective action before proceeding.
Question 6: How long must records of EBT calibration checks be retained under DOT regulations?
- 1 year
- 2 years
- 5 years (Correct answer)
- 7 years
Correct answer: 5 years
Calibration check records must be retained for 5 years under 49 CFR Part 40.333.
Question 7: A BAT discovers that the last calibration check sticker on the EBT expired two days ago. The correct course of action is to:
- Perform tests and schedule calibration as soon as possible
- Perform tests only if the next calibration is within 72 hours
- Remove the device from service until calibration is completed (Correct answer)
- Conduct an in-house ARS check and document it as sufficient
Correct answer: Remove the device from service until calibration is completed
An EBT that has exceeded its calibration interval must be removed from service and recalibrated before it can be used for testing.
BAT Quality Assurance Protocols 3
What action must a BAT take if an EBT displays an 'invalid sample' or 'interference detected' message during a test?