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Virginia Department of Forensic Science

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions

Alcohol & Breath

  1. Are breath tests accurate?
  2. What is the purpose of the 20 minute observation?
  3. Can dentures affect a breath test? What about tongue rings?
  4. Can a penny under the tongue influence the reading?
  5. If a person has asthma, can they provide a breath sample?
  6. Can paint fumes interfere with the breath reading?
  7. If someone has a dose of cough medicine, will it contribute to the reading?
  8. How long does it take to eliminate alcohol?
  9. Will coffee, cold showers and exercise help "sober up" someone who has been drinking?

Breath Alcohol Class Questions

  1. Where are Breath Alcohol Operator classes conducted?
  2. Who notifies operators about Recertification training dates?
  3. What happens if an operator misses a recertification class and his license expires?
  4. Are there any costs associated with the training?
  5. What if an operator missed the transition training to the Intox EC/IR II?

Information Request Question

  1. How do I request information from the Breath Alcohol Section?

Answers

Alcohol & Breath

  1. Are breath tests accurate?

    Yes, breath tests are very accurate. They are as accurate as blood tests.

  2. What is the purpose of the 20 minute observation?

    To allow any residual mouth alcohol to be absorbed.

  3. Can dentures affect a breath test? What about tongue rings?

    Dentures and tongue rings do not affect the breath test result as long as a 20 minute observation is performed.

  4. Can a penny under the tongue influence the reading?

    This belief is incorrect. A penny under the tongue does not contribute or alter the breath reading.

  5. If a person has asthma, can they provide a breath sample?

    Yes, people with asthma can provide breath samples.

  6. Can paint fumes interfere with the breath reading?

    No, the Intoxilyzer can detect if something is on the breath besides ethyl alcohol and abort the test. The Intox EC/IR II utilizes a fuel cell, which does not react to compounds other than alcohol.

  7. If someone has a dose of cough medicine, will it contribute to the reading?

    No, a normal dose of cough medicine will not produce a blood alcohol reading.

  8. How long does it take to eliminate alcohol?

    Average elimination rates range from 0.015 to 0.020 units decrease in the blood alcohol reading per hour.

  9. Will coffee, cold showers and exercise help "sober up" someone who has been drinking?

    Only the passage of time will "sober up" an individual.

Breath Alcohol Class Questions

  1. Where are Breath Alcohol Operator classes conducted?

    At the BioTech 8 building in Richmond. The building is located at 737 N. 5th Street (directly across the street from the Central Laboratory). The classroom is on the 3rd floor.

  2. Who notifies operators about Recertification training dates?

    The Breath Alcohol Section will notify the agency approximately six – eight weeks prior to the class. Recertification classes are conducted in the following areas: Richmond, Northern Virginia, Tidewater, Waynesboro, Roanoke, Blackstone and Bristol.

  3. What happens if an operator misses a recertification class and his license expires?

    Once the license expires, an operator cannot run a test; the instruments will not accept an expired license. An operator has a one year period to take a Recertification class. If this year expires, then the individual must attend another Basic Operator's class. Any operator that misses their regularly scheduled class should contact the Breath Alcohol Section.

  4. Are there any costs associated with the training?

    There is no fee for the class. Agencies will be responsible for covering student expenses; however, DFS may have grant funds available to assist with the costs of lodging, please contact the Breath Alcohol Section for details.

  5. What if an operator missed the transition training to the Intox EC/IR II?

    If the operator holds a current license for the Intoxilyzer 5000, or is within the 1 year grace period of expiration, they are eligible to attend a Recertification course. If the operator is past their 1 year grace period then they must attend another Basic Operator’s class. Please contact the Breath Alcohol Section for further information and class dates.

Information Request Question

  1. How do I request information from the Breath Alcohol Section?

    The Breath Alcohol Section responds to letter requests and subpoenas duces tecum for breath test information from defendants and their attorneys. The section receives 400-500 requests a month. In order for us to serve you efficiently, please read the following information.

    How to request information:

    • Letter requests from defendants must include proper identification (i.e. photocopy of driver’s license). Letter requests from attorneys must be on attorney letterhead.
    • Please include:
      • Defendant's name
      • Court date
      • Offense date
      • Instrument serial number
      • Operator's license number
      • Copy of the actual Certificate of Analysis
    • Items to request:
      • Subject test information
      • Monthly Preventive Maintenance Checklist (for Intoxilyzer cases only)
      • Certificate of Instrument Accuracy
      • Instrument certification and Maintenance history
    • Please note that the Operational Checklist/Breath Test Worksheet is located at the police department.
    • Addresses, phone and fax numbers:

      Department of Forensic Science
      Breath Alcohol Section
      700 North 5th Street
      Richmond, VA 23219

      Phone: 804-786-6971
      Fax: 804-786-6139

    • Letters should be addressed to:

      Alka B. Lohmann

View other Frequently Asked Questions.