If you’re of legal drinking age, you’ve most likely heard of a blood alcohol content (BAC), which is a measurement of your intoxication level. But have you ever wondered how this number is determined? You can determine your BAC through breath alcohol testing, a valuable service provided at Artesia Drug and Alcohol Screening in Eddy County, New Mexico.

This screening lab, which provides five-star testing services, has broken down everything you need to know about breath alcohol testing: 

• How Does It Work? You may have noticed it takes significantly longer to sober up than it does to get drunk. This is because your body only releases around 0.5 ounces of alcohol per hour. About 10% of the alcohol in your system is removed via your sweat, breath, and urine; the remaining 90% is broken down by your metabolic system. Breath alcohol testing measures the amount of alcohol a person has in their body by calculating the ratio of alcohol that’s released in their breath.

• Why Is It Used? Perhaps the most common reason for alcohol testing is to determine the intoxication level of someone who is suspected of drunk driving. Additionally, it’s often used to determine if a person’s altered mental state or visible symptoms are due to alcohol. Breath alcohol testing may also be performed to determine if underage people are intoxicated, or if a rehabilitating person is sober.

• How Is It Done? A breath alcohol test is fairly simple; all you have to do is blow into the device’s mouthpiece. The person who is performing the test will be able to give you directions on the scene if you need further assistance.

• How Are Results Read? The device measures the amount of alcohol that’s released in your breath and uses this information to calculate your BAC. In the United States, a blood alcohol content of greater than 0.08 is considered illegal if you are operating a motor vehicle.

To learn more about alcohol testing, call the experts at Artesia Drug and Alcohol Screening at (575) 746-3404. You can also visit their website to learn more about the array of other lab services they provide, including DNA and drug testing.