Virginia Division of Forensic Science

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions

Alcohol & Breath Questions:

Information Request Question:

Training Questions:

Alcohol & Breath Questions:

Are breath tests accurate?

Yes, breath tests are very accurate. They are as accurate as blood tests.
What is the purpose of the 20 minute observation?

To allow any residual mouth alcohol to be absorbed.
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.
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.
If a person has asthma, can they provide a breath sample?

Yes, people with asthma can provide breath samples.
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.
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.
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.
Will coffee, cold showers and exercise help sober up someone who has been drinking?

Only the passage of time will sober up an individual.

Information Request Question:

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 approximately 350 to 400 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 drivers 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:
  - Computer generated logbook
  - Monthly Preventive Maintenance Checklist
  - Certificate of accuracy
  - Operator's license verification
  - Instrument certification and
  - Maintenance history
- Please submit to the Breath Alcohol Section 3 to 4 weeks prior to the court date.
- Please note that the Certificate of Analysis and the Operational Checklist are 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

Training Questions:

Are previously licensed operators required to take the screening examination?

No, as long as he/she has proof of licensing from Virginia or another state.
Where are Breath Alcohol Operator classes conducted?

At the Central Laboratory in Richmond. There is no fee for the class; costs for meals and hotels are covered by completing a state travel voucher.
Who notifies operators about Recertification training dates?

The Breath Alcohol Section will notify the agency approximately six weeks prior to the class. Recertification classes are conducted in the following areas: Richmond, Fairfax, Tidewater, Waynesboro, Roanoke, South Hill and Bristol.
What happens if an operator misses a recertification class and his license expires?

Once the license expires, an operator cannot run a test; the Intoxilyzer 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.