What can cause the Intoxilyzer 9000 to produce false high readings?

Substance interference, improper calibration, or user error can indeed lead to false high readings on the Intoxilyzer 9000. This device is designed to measure the blood alcohol content (BAC) based on the breath samples provided by the individual being tested. If any substances present in the breath other than alcohol—such as certain medical conditions, mouthwash, or food items—interfere with the measurement process, they can cause the machine to inaccurately report a higher BAC reading than what is actually present.

Improper calibration is crucial because the Intoxilyzer must be accurately adjusted to ensure proper functioning. If not calibrated correctly, the machine may misinterpret the breath sample. User error, such as improper operation of the device or not following necessary protocols during the testing process, can also lead to inaccuracies.

While environmental conditions like humidity can affect the equipment slightly, they are less impactful compared to the direct interference from substances, calibration issues, or user-related mistakes. Using expired mouthpieces may compromise hygiene or introduce contaminants but does not directly influence the accuracy of the measurement itself, making it less critical in causing false high readings compared to the concerns outlined in the selected response. Additionally, waiting insufficient time between tests might not provide the machine with accurate baseline