7 Things that May Trigger Breathalyzers to Produce False Positive Results
Did you know that certain medicines can affect the accuracy of breathalyzers and trigger these devices to render false positive results?
Yes, you read that right. Which means even if you’re completely sober and are under medication, you can still get charged with a DUI!
So, how to deal if you’ve been pulled over by the cops? Well, if you understand your rights and seek the assistance of a Pittsburgh DUI attorney, it will surely help you defend your rights effectively.
7 Factors that Might Render False Positive Results on Breathalyzers
Asthma medicines
Certain medications used to treat asthma patients can trigger false positive results on breathalyzers. For instance, some inhalers contain elements like albuterol, budesonide, and salmeterol. These can leave residual compounds in your mouth, which might get detected as alcohol by the breathalyzer. So, if you have used an inhaler right before a test, chances are that the results can come out to be positive!
Over-the-counter medicines
You might not be aware, but certain over-the-counter medications can also render false positive results! Nyquil, or alcohol-containing cough drops, are some medications that, when taken, might increase your chances of getting charged with a DUI!
Oral gels
Oral gels work best for issues like mouth sores or toothaches. But these medications produce substances that mimic alcohol. So, if you’re using such medications, your chances of getting a DUI charge increase significantly!
Mouthwash and mouth freshener sprays
Many mouth freshener sprays available in the market contain alcohol. So, if you’ve used a few sprays right before you were being pulled over, you might get charged even without being drunk!
Fermented food items
Certain fermented foods, like soy sauce, kimchi, etc., might trigger a false result on a breathalyzer. Why so?
These food items have a high chance of producing trace amounts of alcohol inside your mouth, and therefore, can result in a failed DUI test.
Certain medical conditions
Not just medications, but there are specific medical conditions that can trigger a false positive response on a breathalyzer. For instance, a condition of acid reflux triggers the acid in our stomach to flow back to our mouth.
Not just that, but individuals with diabetes are also prone to failed breathalyzer tests! That’s because when blood sugar levels are high, diabetic people produce ketones, which resemble the chemical composition of alcohol!
Environmental factors
And lastly, if you’re exposed to chemical fumes in poorly ventilated areas, it might affect your breathalyzer reports significantly.
How Can a Pittsburgh DUI Attorney Help?
If you’re facing charges due to false positive results of the breathalyzer, exercise your right to call a Pittsburgh DUI attorney right away. Here are the reasons why-
- They can check your medical history and determine the right cause for which your results were affected.
- They can investigate whether the breathalyzers were properly maintained and whether the cops administered the tests correctly.
- They can challenge the reliability of the field sobriety tests.
- They can negotiate on your behalf and ensure better outcomes.
At Logue Law Group, our experienced Pittsburgh DUI attorneys are well-versed in DUI laws and, hence, can effectively help to either reduce or dismiss the charges levied against you! So, if you, or someone you know, has been wrongfully charged with a DUI due to a failed breathalyzer test, don’t wait and call us at 412-387-6901 to book a free consultation today!