FREE Counterpoint articles for your review:
Breath test results are predicated on the assumption that the test subject is an average person, with average physiological responses, providing an average breath sample. That breath sample is then reported as a blood alcohol concentration using average values in the basic assumption used for conversion. Underlying or pre-existing medical conditions can upset those assumptions. This article will address the medical condition of Diabetes. The follow up article in Part 2 will discuss how the diabetic condition may impact the reliability of reported breath alcohol concentrations, and affect your client's reported indicia of impairment, and their performance on the Field Sobriety tests..
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In part one of this series, we discussed Diabetes Mellitus, a chronic metabolic disease that reduces or eliminates the body’s natural production of insulin in the pancreas. In this article, we will look at the effects that diabetes may have on a breath alcohol test. You may wish to review the metabolic processes of diabetes (and fasting diets) before continuing with this article.
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The opportunity to conduct an independent analysis and performance review of a new breath alcohol testing device is rare, particularly the higher-end, evidentiary-level units.
This article will provide a general overview of the operational characteristics of the Intoxilyzer 9000. We will additionally look at the apparent accuracy of the device using simulator readings, and examine the ability of the device to “flag” false positive reading caused by fresh mouth alcohol contamination. |
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An Important Public Revelation:
In 2019 The New York Times published an important article examining the current state of forensic breath alcohol testing. I provided some background, and was interviewed by the reporters on a number of occasions Since the publication of The Times articles, I had an opportunity to turn the tides, so to speak, and interview the lead reporter, Ms. Stacy Cowley, regarding their story. The full audio of the interview is available here, a Counterpoint exclusive. |
Free downloadable articles:
Here is a PDF version of a number of sample articles, including previous case studies on the Soberlink and SCRAM devices, compiled into one:
Here is a PDF version of a paper prepared for the International Association of Forensic Sciences: An Independent Review of the Intoxilyzer 9000
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A free sample entry to the online Forensic Encyclopedia:
CLICK HERE to see a free sample listing of the Forensic Encyclopedia, an included feature of your Counterpoint subscription. Check back often, as this sample listing will change.
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