Additional Considerations; Alternate Reasons For Subject Impairment; Articulation - Intoximeters Alco-Sensor FST Operator's Manual

Alco‐Sensor FST®
Alco‐Sensor FST® Battery:
If the device battery voltage is too low to perform a test sequence, the display will show BAT
and testing will be disabled, or the device will not turn on. Return the unit to a qualified ASD
calibrator for battery replacement.
Service and Repair:
The Alco‐Sensor FST® requires a yearly service check. For annual service and all repairs (other
than battery replacement) ship the unit to the authorized service agency: DAVTECH Analytical
Services Inc.
8.0 Additional Considerations
8.1 Alternative Reasons for Subject Impairment
When alcohol and various drugs are taken in combination, unexpected results may occur.
Combination effects are often characterized by relatively low BAC and the presence of gross
symptoms of impairment and intoxication. When alcohol‐drug interaction impairment is
suspected, medical assistance may be required. Alternatively, a Drug Recognition Evaluator
(DRE) may be consulted. Further investigation may be required.
In addition, a medical crisis may mimic impairment due to alcohol and/or drugs.
8.2 Articulation
Be prepared to articulate discrepancies between the Alco‐Sensor FST® and evidentiary test.
There may be occasions when the Alco‐Sensor FST® result does not correspond with the results
from the subsequent evidentiary test. For example, a FAIL result was obtained on the Alco‐
Sensor FST® but the subsequent evidentiary result was less than 100mg%. These discrepancies
may be due to:
1. Time delay between Alco‐Sensor FST® test and evidentiary test
The result obtained on the ASD may differ from the result obtained on an Approved
Instrument as a result of the time delay between the tests. As time passes, the breath
test subject will be eliminating alcohol, resulting in a lower blood alcohol concentration
at the time of the later breath tests.
2. Presence of mouth alcohol
If mouth alcohol is present, and a 15 minute time period is not implemented prior to
testing on the ASD, a false high result may be obtained on the ASD, followed by a lower
result on the approved instrument. This can be avoided by ensuring that a 15 minute
wait period occurs when recent consumption of alcohol is suspected.
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Operator's Manual
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