What should an operator do if a device malfunctions during an active test?

When a device malfunctions during an active test, the appropriate action is to stop the testing process and document the malfunction. This is crucial because continuing with a malfunctioning device could lead to inaccurate results, which would undermine the integrity of the testing process and potentially lead to wrongful conclusions regarding a driver's blood alcohol content.

Documentation serves multiple purposes: it creates a record of the incident for accountability and prevents the use of potentially faulty data in legal contexts. By stopping the process, the operator ensures that they are following proper protocols and maintaining the reliability of the testing system. Other options suggest fixing the device or continuing the test, both of which could compromise the accuracy and legality of the results obtained. Ignoring the issue could also lead to serious legal ramifications, undermining public trust in the accuracy of breath alcohol testing. Thus, halting the test and documenting any malfunction is not only a best practice but also a legal requirement in many jurisdictions.