What can cause the Intoxilyzer 9000 to provide inaccurate results?

The Intoxilyzer 9000 is a sophisticated breath alcohol testing device, and its accuracy heavily depends on specific operational conditions. When considering causes of inaccurate results, improper calibration, environmental factors, and inadequate breath sample volume are critical aspects.

Improper calibration can lead to a device that isn’t accurately measuring blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels. Calibration ensures that the device's readings correspond accurately to known concentrations of alcohol in breath samples. If the instrument isn't calibrated properly and regularly, it can yield results that are either higher or lower than the actual BAC.

Environmental factors also play a significant role. Conditions such as temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure can affect the rate at which alcohol is absorbed and exhaled in breath samples, thus influencing the readings. For example, high humidity or cold temperatures can impact the device’s functionality and accuracy.

Inadequate breath sample volume is equally vital for accurate readings. The Intoxilyzer requires a certain volume of breath to assess BAC accurately. If the sample is too small or not provided correctly, the results may not reflect the true alcohol concentration in the individual’s breath.

The other options, while they may suggest operational concerns, do not inherently affect the accuracy of the device's readings in the same way as