There are a variety of methods the police have a their disposal in order to take an alcohol reading from someone they believe to be over the drinking limit. We hope to explain what these are and why the police might use these alternate methods when compared to the traditional fuel cell breathalysers the police carry on their person.
The reasons for using other methods of alcohol testing are varied, but the main reason is the other methods are considered to be far more accurate. While the fuel cell breathalyser is the most convenient and portable method for officers, there are times when if a case is borderline a more accurate reading need to be taken.
Other than fuel cell breathalyser there are 4 other methods used by UK police forces
- Urine test
- Blood test
- Saliva test
- Hair test
Urine test – these test are the least expensive of the 4 and are very reliable and you can also test for other drugs alongside the alcohol. It is however quite intrusive and the result must be sent to a lab.
Blood test – This is the most accurate test and measures the alcohol levels directly from the blood. Although this has to be done at the police station and is very intrusive not to mention expensive.
Saliva test – Works by measuring the amount of alcohol that is in the saliva, the best thing about this test is it is non-intrusive but usually take time to get a result back from the lab.
Hair test – This test is long term alcohol abuse and is usually to gauge alcoholism. Its non-intrusive but can be very expensive and will not work if the person shaves their hair.
This isn’t all that is at the polices disposal but in terms of the different scenarios the police face on the roads everyday, most offences can be dealt with through the above methods.