5
Performing a Breath Test
Before performing a breath test, several conditions for the test site and the test subject
must be verified
Conditions for Test Site
•The ambient air should be free from alcohol, solvent vapors, and thick tobacco
smoke.
•Working temperature of MARK V LE should be between 23°F to 131°F (-5ºC to
55ºC).
Note: Do not allow an unrealistically high ethanol concentration to reach the sensor,
since this can reduce the life expectancy of the unit.
Conditions for Test Subject
•The person being tested must abstain from drinking, eating, chewing gum,
chewing tobacco, smoking tobacco, using mouth spray, or taking any medications
for at least 15 minutes prior to providing a sample. (If a positive sample is given
in workplace testing, a minimum 15 minute waiting period must occur after the
initial screening test.)
•The person being tested must breathe evenly and normally before the test. The
person must also avoid repeated deep breaths (hyperventilation) as this will
temporarily cool down the breath and may lead to a false reading.
•Should the person have diminished lung capacity and cannot activate the Auto
Test, a manual override method is provided.
Note: Rinsing out the mouth with water or non-alcoholic drinks does not substitute for
the 15 minute interval between a screening test and a confirmation test.
Air Blank Feature
The MARK V allows the user to perform an Air Blank test to determine if ethanol is
present in the ambient air or if any residual alcohol is remaining from prior testing. An
Air Blank test should be performed if there is suspicion that the ambient air contains
alcohol vapor, or prior test carryover is suspected, or before a confirmation test. The
MARK V automatically performs an air blank every time the Test Icon is selected and
before going into Test Mode.
If a reading greater than 0.000% is noted on the Air Blank Result, return to the Min
Menu, wait 2-3 minutes, then select the Standard Test Icon again and check the Air
Blank result.
