What Can Cause a False Positive on a Breathalyzer Test?
The science behind breathalyzers isn’t perfect. In an effort to detect alcohol on the breath, it can mistakenly confuse some chemicals with alcohol. In this article, the Orlando DUI defense attorneys at FL DUI Group will discuss what can cause a false positive on a DUI breath test.
Asthma medications
Inhalers that contain albuterol, salmeterol, and budesonide can cause false positives on a breathalyzer test. These medications, which are generally prescribed to relieve asthma symptoms, can leave residual alcohol-like compounds in the mouth. The breathalyzer can mistakenly confuse these chemicals with alcohol, which can skew your test results.
Over-the-counter cold medications
Some over-the-counter cold medications actually contain alcohol. Products such as Nyquil and Vicks, as well as some cough drops, contain small amounts of alcohol that could skew and inflate your BAC reading.
Oral gels
A product like Anbesol, an oral pain reliever, contains anesthetics that could inflate your BAC score on a breathalyzer test. These products can produce trace amounts of substances that mimic alcohol.
Mouthwash and breath sprays
These products, which are commonly used to freshen your breath, contain significant amounts of alcohol. If you used these products shortly before you were pulled over, they can cause a breathalyzer test to detect alcohol. In most cases, those who use mouthwash don’t swallow it, so it can’t make you drunk. You only seem drunk on the breathalyzer test.
Fumes from paints
The fumes from certain chemicals, paints, and adhesives can be falsely detected as alcohol by a breathalyzer test.
Fermented foods
If you consume fermented foods such as kimchi, sauerkraut, soy sauce, or baked goods that contain a significant amount of yeast, it can lead to false positives in your breathalyzer test. After you consume them, these foods produce trace amounts of alcohol on your breath, which the breathalyzer will count against you.
Medical conditions
Gastroesophageal acid reflux can cause alcohol in the stomach to be expelled into the mouth, which would potentially lead to a higher BAC score. In addition, conditions like Diabetes can also impact your test results. Diabetic individuals can produce ketones when their blood sugar is high, which are chemically similar to alcohol and can lead to false positives in breath tests.
Medical conditions also affect your ability to perform standard field sobriety tests. You probably can’t stand on one leg if you have an injured knee. Injured extremities can also impact your ability to perform the walk-and-turn test.
If you are pulled over and the officer wants you to take a breathalyzer test, you should take the test and let your attorney challenge the results in court.
Contact an Orlando, FL DUI Lawyer Today
FL DUI Group represents the interests of Orlando residents who have been charged with DUI. Call our Florida DUI defense lawyers today to schedule an appointment, and we can begin advocating on your behalf right away.
