In the context of breath alcohol testing, what does the term "interference" refer to?

The term "interference" in the context of breath alcohol testing specifically refers to substances other than alcohol affecting measurement accuracy. This means that various other compounds found in the breath can potentially skew the results of the breath alcohol test. Such compounds can include those from medical conditions, certain foods, or environmental factors that might be present at the time of testing.

Understanding this concept is crucial for ensuring that the readings obtained from the intoxilyzer are both accurate and reliable. A correct interpretation of the test results must account for these interferences to avoid false positives or negatives in measuring blood alcohol content (BAC). This understanding helps technicians and law enforcement professionals correctly assess the situation during testing and warrants further investigation if such interferences are suspected.

The other options address different aspects of the testing process but do not correctly define "interference." The introduction of alcohol into the breath sample is a necessary part of the test itself. A malfunction in the testing device does not fall under interference but rather under operational errors. An increase in breath temperature can affect readings but is also not classified as interference in the context of unrelated substances impacting the measurement.