A breath alcohol test is an estimate of your blood alcohol concentration (BAC). The test measures the amount of alcohol in the air that you breathe out (exhale). You can measure your own breath alcohol level with a simple handheld device. If the device is calibrated and used according to the manufacturer's directions, it can provide an accurate estimate of your blood alcohol level. The home device is similar to, though not as precise as, the type of test used by police for suspected drunk drivers.

Your blood alcohol concentration starts to rise within minutes of drinking alcohol. Alcohol is absorbed directly through the walls of the stomach and then travels into the bloodstream, and moves throughout your body to your brain. This quick absorption allows blood alcohol levels to increase rapidly.

Alcohol levels in your blood reach its highest level approximately 60 minutes after being consumed. However, food in your stomach may slow down the absorption rate, taking it longer for the blood alcohol to reach its highest level. Alcohol is mostly broken down in the liver and the rest of it is passed out of your body in urine and your exhaled breath. You can purchase breath alcohol devices to measure your breath level at many pharmacies or through the Internet.

The manual device is a glass tube (or a balloon and a glass tube) containing crystals that change color when exposed to alcohol from your breath. This device is simpler and less expensive than electronic meters.

The electronic meter shows your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) percentage in a digital display window after you blow into a glass mouthpiece attached to the meter. This type of meter is more expensive than the manual type.

You might find that many bars and restaurants will provide their customers with free alcohol breath tests using one of these two methods. The devices are also commonly used by alcohol rehabilitation center or hospitals to monitor patients.

The breath alcohol self-test is only to estimate your blood alcohol concentration (BAC), not as a representation of your actual driving abilities. However, the results can help you determine whether it is safe to drive. Keep in mind that your driving may be impaired even with a low BAC level, such as below 0.05.

The breath alcohol test offers only one piece of information to help you make a safe decision about drinking and driving. The safest decision is always to not drive if you have been drinking.

Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is regularly used by police to determine whether a person is legally impaired and therefore should not be behind the wheel of a vehicle. A blood alcohol concentration in the range of 0.05 to 0.10 is considered legally impaired throughout most of the United States. However, legal BAC levels vary from state to state.

Driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI) can be deadly to yourself and to others. Alcohol has been found to be involved in nearly half of all fatal highway accidents. Even one alcoholic drink can impair your ability to drive safely. At 0.06 BAC, your judgment and physical coordination are impaired. At a BAC of 0.08, your muscle coordination and driving ability are significantly impaired.

Having a calculable amount of alcohol in the blood can mean that judgment and reflexes are compromised. You can buy breath alcohol tests through the Internet, either directly from the manufacturer or from a company promoting these types of products. To find this type of device on the internet, simply search using the type of test or with the name of the manufacturer.