Procedure For Simulator Operation - Intoximeters Alco-Sensor FST Calibrator's Manual

Checking the calibration of screening devices can be expressed by the following:
Properly
Operating +
Simulator
The above equation indicates that in order to obtain the expected result, it is important that the simulator
and alcohol standard are also correct prior to performing the test. Only then can the expected reading be
obtained and the proper assessment as to the calibration of the Alco-Sensor FST®.
It is important to understand the terminology, specifically the terms accuracy check (also referred to as
calibration check) and calibration. Accuracy Check merely means performing a test with the Alco-
Sensor FST® using the known alcohol standard and observing the result. For these purposes when using
a "100" solution a perfect result is 100 mg%, but results between 95 to 105 mg% are acceptable. The
accuracy check represents obtaining a number, whether it is 99 mg% or 107 mg%. Regardless of the
result obtained, at this point we have performed an accuracy check. If the accuracy check reveals a result
of 99 mg%, the device is said to be within acceptable limits and no calibration adjustment is necessary.
Note that two consecutive readings in the range of 95 to 105 mg% must be obtained for the device to be
in proper calibration.
For example, if a result of 107 mg% was obtained, it is obvious that this device is not achieving proper
accuracy and calibration is required. Calibration is the process by which a unit out of calibration is
physically adjusted so that it is in calibration, i.e. adjusted so that the alcohol standard provides a result
of 100 mg% when analyzing a known vapour with a target result of 100 mg%. While the above concepts
may be simple the terminology is often misused, and must be understood.
The procedures that follow discuss the various steps shown in the above equation:
1. Proper use of the simulator with alcohol standard
2. Accuracy check
3. Calibration
5.0 P
ROCEDURE FOR
1. Ensure simulator jar and tubing are clean and dry. Pour 500 mL of appropriate ethyl alcohol standard
("100" solution) into the simulator jar. Record the name of the manufacturer, lot number and expiry date,
of the simulator solution on the Alco-Sensor FST® calibration log. DO NOT USE THE SIMULATOR
SOLUTION AFTER THE EXPIRY DATE.
2. Tightly screw the top of the simulator on to the jar.
3. Leak check the simulator by attempting to blow into inlet while blocking the outlet with a finger. It
should be difficult to blow into the simulator in this manner with little or no bubbles produced.
A -S FST®
LCO ENSOR
Approved
Alcohol +
Standard
Properly
Calibrated
Alco-Sensor FST®
S
IMULATOR
-4-
Expected
= Reading
100 +/- 5 mg%
O
PERATION
C
ALIBRATOR
' M
S ANUAL