Citation

Pon RA. J. Can. Soc. Forensic Sci. 2009; 42(1): 63-67.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, Canadian Society of Forensic Science, Publisher Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/00085030.2009.10757596

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

In Canada, evidentiary breath test instruments and screening devices must undergo rigorous testing by the Alcohol Test Committee and meet specified performance standards before any breath test equipment can be used by the police. Furthermore, when manufacturers modify or alter any of their components of previously evaluated equipment, these changes must be identified to the Alcohol Test Committee and re-evaluated if necessary, prior to being incorporated in any breath test equipment used in Canada. This paper is a summary of the processes involved in the evaluation of breath test equipment, as well as the steps taken by the Alcohol Test Committee to ensure that any modifications to the originally approved equipment will not affect the performance of the evidentiary instrument or screening device.