Breath Alcohol Testing | Nationwide

What Is Breath Alcohol Testing?

Breath alcohol testing, commonly known as BAT, is a method of measuring the concentration of alcohol in a person's system by analyzing their breath. The test uses an Evidential Breath Testing (EBT) device that is approved by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to provide accurate, legally defensible results.

At Assurity Drug Testing nationwide, all breath alcohol tests are administered by certified Breath Alcohol Technicians (BATs) who are trained to operate EBT devices and follow proper DOT testing procedures. Our testing meets all requirements outlined in 49 CFR Part 40 for DOT-regulated employers.

DOT Breath Alcohol Testing Requirements

The Department of Transportation requires breath alcohol testing as part of its comprehensive drug and alcohol testing program for safety-sensitive employees. Under DOT regulations:

• Breath alcohol tests must be conducted using an approved Evidential Breath Testing (EBT) device
• Tests must be administered by a certified Breath Alcohol Technician (BAT)
• A screening test is performed first. If the result is 0.02 or higher, a confirmation test must be conducted after a 15-minute waiting period
• A confirmed result of 0.04 or higher is considered a DOT violation, and the employee must be immediately removed from safety-sensitive duties
• A confirmed result between 0.02 and 0.039 requires the employee to be removed from safety-sensitive duties for at least 24 hours
• All test results must be documented on the DOT Alcohol Testing Form

When Is Breath Alcohol Testing Required?

DOT-regulated employers must conduct breath alcohol testing in several situations:

• Random testing: FMCSA requires that at least 10% of safety-sensitive employees be randomly tested for alcohol each calendar year
• Post-accident: Following a DOT-reportable accident, the driver must undergo breath alcohol testing as soon as possible, but no later than 8 hours after the accident
• Reasonable suspicion: When a trained supervisor observes signs or symptoms of alcohol use, a breath alcohol test must be conducted
• Return-to-duty: Before an employee who violated DOT alcohol regulations can return to safety-sensitive duties
• Follow-up: After returning to duty following an alcohol violation, employees are subject to follow-up testing

Note that DOT does not require breath alcohol testing for pre-employment screening, although employers may include it in their company policy for non-DOT purposes.

How the Breath Alcohol Test Works

The breath alcohol testing process through our mobile testing service in the Treasure Valley follows a standardized procedure to ensure accurate and compliant results:

Screening Test

• The BAT verifies the employee's identification and explains the testing procedure
• A new, individually sealed mouthpiece is opened in the presence of the employee
• The employee provides a breath sample into the EBT device
• If the screening result is below 0.02, the test is complete and the result is recorded as negative

Confirmation Test

• If the screening result is 0.02 or higher, a confirmation test is required
• A 15-minute waiting period is observed. During this time, the employee should not eat, drink, smoke, or put anything in their mouth
• After 15 minutes but within 30 minutes of the screening test, a new breath sample is collected using a fresh mouthpiece
• The confirmation result is the final, official result that determines whether a violation has occurred

Who Needs Breath Alcohol Testing?

Breath alcohol testing is required for safety-sensitive employees regulated by DOT agencies, including:

• Commercial motor vehicle drivers (CDL holders) regulated by FMCSA
• Pipeline workers regulated by PHMSA
• Aviation employees regulated by FAA
• Railroad workers regulated by FRA
• Transit employees regulated by FTA
• Maritime workers regulated by USCG

Non-DOT employers in the Meridian and Boise area may also choose to include breath alcohol testing in their workplace drug and alcohol testing programs. This is common in industries such as construction, manufacturing, and warehousing where impairment poses safety risks.

Our Breath Alcohol Testing Process

• Step 1: Walk in or have your employee report to our Meridian testing location
• Step 2: Our certified BAT verifies identification and prepares the EBT device
• Step 3: A screening breath sample is collected and analyzed immediately
• Step 4: If the screening result is negative (below 0.02), the test is complete and results are reported to the employer
• Step 5: If a confirmation test is needed, it is conducted after the required 15-minute observation period
• Step 6: All results are documented on the appropriate testing form and reported to the designated employer representative