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AlcoHawk ABI Breathalyzer Digital Alcohol Detector

The AlcoHawk ABI comes from Q3 Innovations, and is one of their professional-level digital alcohol detectors. The Q3 website says that it is:

 

a…professional-grade alcohol screener, which utilizes a state-of-the-art semiconductor oxide sensor to test breath alcohol content quickly and accurately. The simple one-button operation provides a digital reading in seconds. At just a fraction of the cost of other DOT [Department of Transportation] approved units, it is one of the top selling breath alcohol screening devices in the market. The AlcoHawk ABI features a sleek design and incorporates upgraded internal software to meet DOT accuracy requirements. Before you purchase any device for breath alcohol testing, make sure the unit is listed on the DOT Approved Conforming products List for Approved Breath Alcohol Screening Devices. 

 

The Liquor Snob website wrote:

 

We were also big fans of the shorter load time, closer to 20 seconds than the full minute we got from the [AlcoHawk] Elite, but the ABI only gave us info down to two decimal places, so that's the tradeoff. But honestly, how many decimals do you need for what you'll be using it for? Another high point is the fact that this puppy is good for more than 300 tests on one battery. Now that's a lot of drinkin'. Oh, and plus, it comes with an AC adaptor, so you can test and drive at the same time. Just kidding.

 

However, the Orange County Register reviewed it in March 2006 and was not impressed:

I'm sure this works, considering its credentials. It just didn't work for me, my friends and Kyle. And since I'm not alone, I'm sure there are other people out there who will have trouble getting accurate results.

 

One thing for sure: It does detect alcohol. I tried it again while sober and got a zero reading. But if it can't distinguish between 0.10 and 0.08, what's the use?

 

If anything, this could be a fun, albeit unreliable, gimmicky toy. Take it to parties and make fun of friends who can't exhale for three seconds.


A July 2005 Newsday survey of breathalyzers said:

 

AlcoHawk ABI (about $100). Slightly larger than a deck of cards - isn't everything? - the AlcoHawk is billed as "a great choice for bars, parties and social functions." [Keith] Nothacker's site [Breathalyzer.net] says the AlcoHawk is even used by some law enforcement organizations as an initial screening device (most upscale police forces invest about $2,000 in a Breathalyzer, he says). It features a three-digit LED display, five washable and reusable mouthpieces, and it's powered by a 9-volt battery that's supposed to be good for more than 300 tests.

 

* Get the Latest Price on the AlcoHawk ABI Breathalyzer.
 

March 20th, 2006

 

* For more breathalyzer reviews please see The Personal Health Monitor Blog.