Georgia DUI Body Temperature and Breath Tests
Georgia breathalyzer tests operate under the assumption that everyone is physiologically the same; however, we know that people are not identical. The results of a breathalyzer test can be affected by many factors such as medical conditions and dental work. Body temperature may affect breath tests and lead to a Georgia DUI if you failed, which is why you should speak with an experienced drunk-driving attorney, even if your results are over the legal limit.
Your body temperature at the time of breathalyzer testing can have a substantial effect on your results. To determine your blood alcohol content (BAC), breathalyzer tests measure the amount of alcohol in your breath in order to calculate the amount of alcohol in your bloodstream. The breath-to-blood ratio used to determine your result is 1:2100. However, a temperature elevation of only 1.8 degrees Fahrenheit can affect this ratio and increase your test result by 7%. If your temperature is higher, your result will be inflated even more.
A fever isn’t necessary to affect your test results; the average temperature of a healthy person may be lower or higher than 98.6. In fact, your temperature could fluctuate depending on the time of the day. This means that you can be at risk of testing over the legal limit just because your body temperature isn’t what the breathalyzer test considers “normal.”
If you were charged with impaired driving after failing a breathalyzer test, you should immediately contact a qualified DUI defense attorney. DUI attorneys undergo intensive training in order to understand the Georgia breathalyzer test and the factors that may affect the results. Should your attorney find that your body temperature deviated from the “norm,” he or she may be able to challenge the results of your test based on that fact.
Body temperature may affect breath tests and lead to a Georgia DUI. Defend your freedom, driver’s license, and future by contacting our law firm to fight your charges. Our initial case evaluation is always complimentary.
