Calif court: breath test accuracy can vary
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - July 9, 2009 The unanimous high-court decision issued Thursday means
suspected drunken drivers can attack the accuracy of roadside
breath test results in some cases.
Studies have shown the breath-to-blood ratio varies widely among
different people and even in the same person depending on such
factors as health, menstrual cycle and even the weather.
The one-size-fits-all tests determine the amount of alcohol in
the breath and then, using a scientific formula, converts that
figure into an estimation of alcohol in the blood.
Lawyers say juries in several other states already are allowed
to consider the test's variability.