What is the primary reason for the 15-minute deprivation period before administering a breath test?

The primary reason for the 15-minute deprivation period before administering a breath test is to ensure that the subject does not consume any food or drink. This waiting period is crucial because it helps avoid any contamination of the breath sample. If a subject ingests substances such as food, beverages, or even mouthwash shortly before the test, it can introduce residual alcohol or other compounds into the mouth, which may artificially inflate the results of the test. Ensuring that the subject is free from any external influences helps in obtaining a more accurate reading of their blood alcohol concentration, leading to reliable and valid results from the Intoxilyzer 8000.

While some other options may seem relevant to the testing process, they do not address the crucial aim of the deprivation period as effectively as ensuring no consumption occurs.