Is the breath test valid without a 15-minute deprivation period if the operational checklist is followed?

The validity of a breath test using the Intoxilyzer 8000 is contingent upon the completion of a 15-minute deprivation period prior to administering the test. This period is crucial as it ensures that any residual alcohol from previous consumption does not affect the results. The purpose of the deprivation period is to allow any mouth alcohol, which might lead to falsely elevated readings, to dissipate.

Even if the operational checklist is followed correctly, the absence of this 15-minute observation renders the breath test results unreliable. This is because the measurement obtained during the test must reflect only the alcohol content in the breath and not any alcohol that might be present in the mouth, which could lead to significant inaccuracies. Therefore, without the deprivation period, the test cannot be considered valid, regardless of adherence to the checklist, as it undermines the fundamental principles of obtaining a reliable and accurate measurement of Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC).