Types Of Dui Related Alcohol Tests

Alcohol testing is essential in the enforcement of alcohol related crimes like DUI and DWI. Alcohol testing methods have been constantly improving to become more accurate and less invasive. This continual progress of alcohol testing is beneficial for both sides of the law. Here is a list and brief description of the five most common forms of alcohol tests normally associated with DUIs.

1. Field Sobriety Test
A field sobriety test is the most basic and inaccurate form of alcohol testing. Field sobriety testing involves basic tasks that measure balance, coordination and response time. Intoxication can generally be clearly identified when conducting field sobriety tests like the one legged stand and straight like walk. Contrary to popular belief, it is very hard to pass a field sobriety test when inebriated. Field sobriety testing is often used in conjunction with a Breathalyzer during suspected DUI traffic stops, which brings me to the next type of alcohol test:

2. Breathalyzer Test
A Breathalyzer is a portable device that tests an individual's blood alcohol content by measuring the amount of alcohol in the lungs. A Breathalyzer is blown into by the suspected and gives law enforcement an immediate result. This result isn't exact, but is a very accurate estimation. Although Breathalyzer testing is more accurate than field sobriety testing, there is still room for error. Breathalyzers must be property maintained and used by law enforcement for an accurate result.

3. Blood Test
Blood testing is another form of alcohol testing often associated with DUIs. A blood alcohol test involves taking a blood specimen from the accused and testing the blood alcohol level directly. This type of test normally occurs at the processing center, after one fails a field sobriety and Breathalyzer test. Blood testing is far more accurate than field sobriety and Breathalyzer testing, but it is also more expensive. Because of this, other testing methods are more frequently used.

4. Saliva Test
Saliva tests are becoming more and more common for identifying alcohol use. Saliva testing is very accurate and can identify alcohol use in the past 24-48 hours. This type of testing is often used in conjunction with other tests to compare results. The financial downside of a saliva test is that it is very expensive. The legal downside to this type of test, as my Seattle DUI lawyer explained to me (and your Seattle DUI attorney will surely tell you), is that the results of saliva testing cannot be used as evidence for any legal matters. It can, however, be very useful in other fields where alcohol testing is mandatory.

5. Urine Test
Urine testing is commonly used in the employment screening process, but can also be used to identify a DUI. Urine testing is fairly inexpensive compared to blood and saliva testing, but it is very accurate. Urine testing can be compromised by one substituting someone else's clean urine for their own. However, monitored urine testing is making it more difficult to cheat this test.

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