How does the Intoxilyzer 8000 determine BAC?

The Intoxilyzer 8000 determines blood alcohol concentration (BAC) by analyzing the amount of ethanol present in a breath sample using infrared spectroscopy. This method involves directing infrared light through the breath sample and measuring the absorption of specific wavelengths of light, which corresponds to the presence of alcohol molecules. As alcohol has distinct absorbance characteristics at certain infrared wavelengths, the device can accurately quantify the concentration of ethanol in the breath based on how much light is absorbed.

This reliable method is grounded in the principle that different substances absorb infrared light at characteristic frequencies. The intensity of the absorption correlates directly with the concentration of ethanol, allowing for precise measurements of BAC. This approach is widely accepted in both legal and clinical settings, making it a standard for breath analysis.

Other options presented do not directly contribute to the determination of BAC in the manner that infrared spectroscopy does. For instance, measuring the temperature of a breath sample or evaluating moisture content would not provide direct information about alcohol concentration. Counting breath pulses lacks a scientific connection to BAC measurement and does not involve any quantification of ethanol levels.