| Copyright (c) 2008 Robert Keefer | | | | while IR means infrared. By this method, the |
| On April 23, 2008 Virginia started listing the Intox | | | | device guarantees the reliability of its results |
| EC/IR II as an approved device according to the | | | | through using different tests. This internal |
| Breath Alcohol Testing regulations. Virginia signed a | | | | corroboration would give the EC/IR II a distinct |
| contract with Intoximeter to purchase 220 | | | | reliability advantage over devices utilizing only one |
| devices that same day. | | | | technology. |
| Alka Lohmann is the chief of Virginia's | | | | Unfortunately, Intoximeter was unable to |
| unaccredited breath alcohol section. At the May 5, | | | | coordinate the different analytical methods. |
| 2008 Scientific Advisory Committee meeting, Ms. | | | | Because of that failure, the instrument does not |
| Lohmann gave a status report on the EC/IR II. | | | | use two independent methods to measure alcohol |
| She reported that out of 50 states this tester is | | | | concentration. Instead, the EC/IR II uses only the |
| used in only four states besides Virginia: West | | | | fuel cell to measure alcohol and determine blood |
| Virginia, Wisconsin, North Carolina and Tennessee. | | | | alcohol content. The infrared is used to monitor |
| Ms. Lohmann did not indicate why only 10% of | | | | breath sample quality and to detect mouth alcohol. |
| the states used the EC/IR II. She stated that the | | | | The fuel cell component does not have the ability |
| new tester offered enhanced communication | | | | to detect mouth alcohol. The fuel cell merely |
| capabilities, increased trouble shooting form the lab | | | | reports the total concentration of alcohol present |
| and the ability to use a dry gas. | | | | with registering the presence of mouth alcohol. |
| Ms. Lohmann was asked about the types of | | | | Over time, fuel cells change in sensitivity and |
| reports that can be requested related to the | | | | must be calibrated frequently to retain accuracy. |
| device. She stated that the same reports | | | | IR detectors do not require calibration every few |
| presently available will be available for the new | | | | weeks. As the electrode microstructure changes |
| machine. | | | | over time the sensor baseline drifts. That drift |
| In analytical chemistry, the analysis of a substance | | | | takes the EC out of sych with the IR detector. |
| must be corroborated by an independent, | | | | Calibrating the device every few weeks would be |
| alternative analytical analysis. Agreement between | | | | very demanding and time consuming. Some |
| the two different analytical methods insures the | | | | states have resolved that issue by disabling the |
| reliability of the results. | | | | IR detector entirely. Once the IR detector is |
| The name EC/IR II implies that the machine will | | | | disabled the device has no capacity for detecting |
| measure the subject's alcohol concentration in two | | | | mouth alcohol. |
| methods: EC means electrochemical or fuel cell | | | | |