Platinum fuel cell technology is the basis for a new personal breathalyser launched yesterday (24th November) by US firm Lifeloc.

The 'LifeGuard' device reportedly provides more accurate readings of breath alcohol content than its semiconductor sensor counterparts, largely thanks to the precious metal.

Barry Knott, President of Lifeloc, explained that the new development represents a major advance in self-testing, which could be required in a variety of scenarios.

He said: "We wanted people to have the ability to bring the best technology into their homes for alcohol screening - which is exactly what LifeGuard does.

"LifeGuard meets every consumer and family's alcohol screening needs from testing a family member to conducting morning-after testing."

The $299 device is also expected to reduce drink-driving, which accounts for 36 lives and 700 injuries per day in the US, according to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention.

Testing an individual's breath to detect alcohol content in the blood has been researched since 1874, while the first ever roadside breathalyser, the 'drunkometer', was used in 1938.

Source:

Lifeloc Technologies, Inc. Launches Most Accurate Consumer Breathalyzer on the Market (24/11/09)

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