What principle does the Intox EC/IR II use to detect alcohol?

What principle does the Intox EC/IR II use to detect alcohol?

• A. Infrared energy absorption
• B. Gas chromatography
• C. Colorimetric assay
• D. Electrochemical fuel cell generating electrical voltage

Answer: (D)

The principle being tested is that this device detects alcohol with an electrochemical fuel-cell sensor that generates an electrical current when ethanol is present in the breath. In the mouthpiece, ethanol in the breath is oxidized at the sensor’s anode; as it donates electrons, a current flows from anode to cathode. The amount of this current is proportional to the ethanol concentration in the breath, which the unit converts to a BrAC reading. This is different from methods that rely on optical detection or chemical separation, such as infrared energy absorption, gas chromatography, or a colorimetric change. The fuel-cell approach provides a direct electrical signal tied to the amount of alcohol in the sample, which is what the Intox EC/IR II measures.

The principle being tested is that this device detects alcohol with an electrochemical fuel-cell sensor that generates an electrical current when ethanol is present in the breath. In the mouthpiece, ethanol in the breath is oxidized at the sensor’s anode; as it donates electrons, a current flows from anode to cathode. The amount of this current is proportional to the ethanol concentration in the breath, which the unit converts to a BrAC reading. This is different from methods that rely on optical detection or chemical separation, such as infrared energy absorption, gas chromatography, or a colorimetric change. The fuel-cell approach provides a direct electrical signal tied to the amount of alcohol in the sample, which is what the Intox EC/IR II measures.