Dr. Robert Borkenstein knew there had to be a better way. One of his fellow professors at Indiana University, Dr. Rolla Harger, had invented the "Drunkometer," a machine that could measure the alcohol content in a person's lungs. However, the unit was bulky and had to be recalibrated each time. Dr. Borkenstein, formerly Captain Borkenstein with the Indiana State Police, went to work and in 1954, he invented the breathalyzer.
Since at least the 1700's scientists have known the chemicals present in alcohol should be measurable on a person's breath. It was Dr. Borkenstein who came up with a workable machine, though. He named it the breathalyzer, and first had it manufactured by Smith and Wesson and then later by National Draeger. "Breathalyzer" was once a name brand, but over time, it has come to be known as the generic name of the device.
These devices are used to measure the blood alcohol content, or BAC, from a person's breath sample. Ideally, the person blows into the machine for at least five seconds. This ensures that the breath being sampled is from deep in the lungs. While it would take a blood sample to directly measure BAC, the top grade of these machines have a high level of accuracy.
Breathalyzers use three different methods to work. The first one uses spectrophotometer technology, which is the most advanced. These table-mounted units are found in police stations across the country. They are considered evidentiary machines and utilize infrared technology.
The second type used is electrochemical fuel cell based. These are the units used in the field by state and local police. Affordable consumer units are also available. They are portable breathalyzers and have a high degree of accuracy. Usually referred to as preliminary breath test (PBT) or preliminary alcohol screening (PAS), they are often used at sobriety checkpoints.
The third technology used is a semiconductor oxide based tester. These are sometimes referred to as personal breathalyzers. While they are the least reliable, their degree of accuracy is still impressive. They are sometimes used by school departments on prom night, or by businesses. Increasingly, because of the potential for litigation, homeowners are purchasing them to use at parties and other get-togethers.
Dr. Borkenstein, who died in 2002, lived long enough to see his invention become an integral part of police work. The technology of the breath tester will certainly evolve in the coming years, as will its role in American society.
