Accuracy testing should be performed at least once per month (every 30 days) to ensure the BAC readings are reliable. If the result of the accuracy test is not within the acceptable range, the unit must be re-calibrated by PAS Systems International, or by persons who have been properly trained for alcohol detector calibration.
Due to the sensitive nature of BAC testing, it is extremely important to keep detailed records of both accuracy tests and calibrations for each unit.
- PAS Systems recommends 0.080% dry gas concentration for accuracy checking
- The External Calibration Check/Accuracy Check Tolerance for all Alcovisor Evidential Breath Testers is +/- 0.005%. For example, if you have a dry gas standard of 0.080% at sea level, the expected value range is 0.075%-0.085%
- When using dry gas for accuracy checking, the alcohol concentration printed on the label of the gas cylinder must be corrected to account for altitude when conducting tests above 500 feet above sea level. For example, if you have a dry gas standard of 0.080% and you are using it at 500 feet, the corrected value would be 0.078.
High Altitude Correction Chart
| Elevation from Seal Level | Correction Factor | Corrected Value for 0.080% Dry Gas |
| 0 | 1 | 0.080 |
| 500 | 0.981 | 0.078 |
| 1000 | 0.962 | 0.077 |
| 1500 | 0.943 | 0.075 |
| 2000 | 0.925 | 0.074 |
| 2500 | 0.907 | 0.073 |
| 3000 | 0.889 | 0.071 |
| 3500 | 0.872 | 0.070 |
| 4000 | 0.854 | 0.068 |
| 4500 | 0.837 | 0.067 |
| 5000 | 0.820 | 0.066 |
| 5500 | 0.804 | 0.064 |
| 6000 | 0.787 | 0.063 |
| 6500 | 0.771 | 0.062 |
| 7000 | 0.755 | 0.060 |
| 7500 | 0.740 | 0.059 |
| 8000 | 0.724 | 0.058 |
Alcovisor MARK V Accuracy Check/Calibration Check
1. Insert a new mouthpiece.
2. Turn on the MARK V. The unit will automatically perform an air blank. Ensure that the Air Blank is 0.000. The unit will automatically advance to the test screen and “Please Blow” will be displayed.
3. Purge the dry gas tank by pressing down on the regulator for a few seconds.
4. Connect the MARK V to the regulator/valve of the gas cylinder
5. Press the gas regulator button, allowing gas to flow into the mouthpiece for 8-10 seconds. While still pressing on the gas, press the right (green) button to acquire a sample. The gas MUST be flowing into the mouthpiece while the sample is taken. Once you hear the pump click, indicating the sample has been taken, you can release your finger from the gas and remove the device from the regulator.
6. After a few seconds, the measured value will be displayed. IF the measured value is within +/- 0.005 BrAC or your gas standard, the unit is working accurately.
7. Record your results in your Accuracy Check/Calibration Check Log
Alcovisor Mercury Accuracy Check/Calibration Check ending in Serial Numbers prior to 10400666
1. Turn on the Mercury. Select the Standard Test icon and wait for the instrument to perform an Air Blank Test. Ensure that the Air Blank is 0.000. The unit will automatically advance to the test screen and “Please Blow” will be displayed.
2. Purge the dry gas tank by pressing down on the regulator for a few seconds.
3. Place a new mouthpiece on the Mercury and Connect the Mercury to the regulator/valve of the gas cylinder. Note: Firmly press down on the mouthpiece to make sure the mouthpiece is securely attached to the Mercury.
4. Press the gas regulator button, allowing gas to flow into the mouthpiece for 8-10 seconds. While still pressing on the gas, press the ‘Manual’ button on the screen to acquire a sample. The gas MUST be flowing into the mouthpiece while the sample is taken. Once you hear the pump click, indicating the sample has been taken, you can release your finger from the gas and remove the device from the regulator.
5. After a few seconds, the measured value will be displayed. IF the measured value is within +/- 0.005 BrAC or your gas standard, the unit is working accurately.
6. Record your results in your Accuracy Check/Calibration Check Log
Alcovisor Mercury Accuracy Check/Calibration Check ending in Serial Numbers 10400666 or higher
If performing an Accuracy Check immediately following calibration:
- Select ‘Accuracy Check’ from the post Calibration screen.
If performing an Accuracy Check without a prior calibration (i.e. your monthly Accuracy Check):
- Turn on the Mercury.
- Select the Standard Test icon and wait for the instrument to perform an Air Blank Test. Ensure that the Air Blank is 0.000.
- The unit will automatically advance to the test screen and “Please Blow” will be displayed.
1. Place a new mouthpiece on the Mercury and Connect the Mercury to the cylinder.
Place a new mouthpiece on the Mercury and Connect the Mercury to the cylinder.
Note: Firmly press down on the mouthpiece to make sure the mouthpiece is securely attached to the Mercury.
2. Press the gas regulator button, allowing gas to flow into the mouthpiece for 8-10 seconds. While still pressing on the gas, press the Manual button to acquire a sample. The gas MUST be flowing into the mouthpiece while the sample is taken. Once you hear the pump click, indicating the sample has been taken, you can release your finger from the gas and remove the device from the regulator.
3. After a few seconds, the measured value will be displayed. If the measured value is within +/- 0.005 BrAC or your gas standard, the unit is working accurately.
4. Record your results in your Accuracy Check/Calibration Check Log.
Alcovisor Jupiter Accuracy Check/Calibration Check for devices with 9 Home Screen Icons
1. Turn on the Jupiter. Select the Standard Test icon and wait for the instrument to perform an Air Blank Test. Ensure that the Air Blank is 0.000. The unit will automatically advance to the test screen and “Please Blow” will be displayed.
2. Purge the dry gas tank by pressing down on the regulator for a few seconds.
3. Place a new mouthpiece on the Jupiter and Connect the Jupiter to the regulator/valve of the gas cylinder. Note: Firmly press down on the mouthpiece to make sure the mouthpiece is securely attached to the Jupiter
4. Press the gas regulator button, allowing gas to flow into the mouthpiece for 8-10 seconds. While still pressing on the gas, press the Manual button to acquire a sample. The gas MUST be flowing into the mouthpiece while the sample is taken. Once you hear the pump click, indicating the sample has been taken, you can release your finger from the gas and remove the device from the regulator.
5. After a few seconds, the measured value will be displayed. If the measured value is within +/- 0.005 BrAC or your gas standard, the unit is working accurately.
6. Record your results in your Accuracy Check/Calibration Check Log.
Alcovisor Jupiter Accuracy Check/Calibration Check for devices with 4 Home Screen Icons
If performing an Accuracy Check/Calibration Check immediately following calibration:
Select ‘Calibration Check’ from the post-calibration screen
If performing an Accuracy Check without a prior calibration (i.e. your monthly Accuracy Check):
- Turn on the Jupiter
- Select the Settings Icon and select ‘Cal.’.
- Enter the password 119119
- Select ‘Accuracy Check’
1. Place a new mouthpiece on the Jupiter and Connect the Jupiter to the cylinder. Note: Firmly press down on the mouthpiece to make sure the mouthpiece is securely attached to the Jupiter.
2. Press the gas regulator button, allowing gas to flow into the mouthpiece for 8-10 seconds. While still pressing on the gas, press the Manual button to acquire a sample. The gas MUST be flowing into the mouthpiece while the sample is taken. Once you hear the pump click, indicating the sample has been taken, you can release your finger from the gas and remove the device from the regulator.
3. After a few seconds, the measured value will be displayed. If the measured value is within +/- 0.005 BrAC or your gas standard, the unit is working accurately.
4. Record your results in your Accuracy Check/Calibration Check Log