Review: AlcoSense Pro (breathalyzer)

Update: Includes impressions of the annual calibration process (see below).

It is a reality that individuals who consume alcohol and subsequently need to operate a vehicle must carefully monitor their blood alcohol content (BAC). This is primarily a matter of ensuring the safety of themselves and others, and secondarily, avoiding potentially significant legal penalties. In Sweden, the legal limit is 0.2 per mille of alcohol, or 1mg per liter of blood for narcotic substances (non-prescription). Exceeding this limit constitutes driving under the influence, punishable by fines or imprisonment for up to six months. A BAC exceeding 1.0 per mille is considered aggravated driving under the influence, potentially resulting in a prison sentence of up to two years. This can extend to eight years if the act contributes to another person’s death. While maximum penalties are rarely enforced, their existence underscores the severity with which society views drunk driving, a stance we believe is justified.

Numerous apps and anecdotal remedies online suggest methods for roughly estimating BAC, such as “burning off a standard glass of beer or wine, or four centiliters of liquor” per hour. While these approximations may not be entirely inaccurate, they carry inherent risks for individuals relying on them for informed decisions. The type of wine, the volume of a “standard-sized glass,” and the strength of the beer all introduce variability. Precise measurement of a “shot of whiskey” is also challenging, given alcohol content can vary from 30% to nearly 60%. Furthermore, factors such as gender, weight, and other physiological characteristics influence alcohol metabolism. Given these numerous variables, AlcoSense, a British company, has developed a series of breathalyzers designed to provide accurate BAC readings, now available in the Swedish market. This review focuses on the mid-range model, the AlcoSense Pro.

Experienced drivers have likely encountered roadside breathalyzer tests conducted by law enforcement. These tests are typically quick, simple, and provide reliable results with minimal error margins. Currently, Swedish police utilize the Dräger Alcotest 6820, a device also available for private purchase at a cost of approximately 9,000 SEK. This price point makes it primarily suitable for law enforcement agencies or individuals involved in commercial driving. A breathalyzer’s quality depends on its core technology and the fuel cell’s capacity. A larger cell equates to more accurate measurements. The AlcoSense Pro, equipped with a 121 mm2 cell, exhibits a margin of error of 0.04 per mille, consistently erring on the higher side. This performance is commendable, remaining within a 0.05 per mille tolerance. The AlcoSense Pro is priced at approximately 2,500 SEK, roughly a third of the cost of the Dräger (which is also available in a simpler version).

Simplified Operation

The AlcoSense Pro is remarkably user-friendly, featuring Swedish language options in the menus (though not in the manual). To operate, simply flip open the lid, press the power button, and wait approximately 20 seconds for the device to initialize. Then, attach a plastic mouthpiece and blow steadily into the designated opening, guided by on-screen instructions, for about 5 seconds. The BAC result is displayed within a second, indicated by a green or red visual cue, along with the BAC reading and an estimated time to reach a “sober” state (available only on the Pro and Ultra models, not the entry-level Excel). By measuring alcohol concentration per volume of exhaled air, the device eliminates variables such as gender, weight, and fitness level. This is a notable feature.

A 30-minute waiting period after alcohol consumption is required to prevent damage to the sensor (immediately after consuming alcohol, even a light beer will produce a reading, as concentration levels are temporarily elevated). We conducted multiple tests with various alcoholic beverages, and the device performed consistently as expected. Interestingly, the estimated time to sobriety aligned closely with the general guideline of “burning off one glass of alcohol per hour,” which was verifiable given our controlled measurement of alcohol content and consumption.

It is important to recognize that legal BAC does not guarantee safe driving. We strongly advise against driving the day after consuming alcohol, even if the breathalyzer indicates a legal BAC in the morning.

Long-Term Costs

Beyond the initial purchase price, ongoing expenses include replacement mouthpieces and mandatory annual calibration. The initial factory calibration is valid for approximately one year, after which recalibration costs roughly 450 SEK. This recalibration is crucial for maintaining accuracy. A certificate is also available for 125 SEK, along with expedited handling (unnecessary for most consumers who plan ahead). Insuring the package during shipment is recommended for an additional 120 SEK. The service center is located in Tibro, and the turnaround time was five business days. This service was both prompt and efficient. Mouthpieces represent another consumable cost. While the manufacturer advises against reusing mouthpieces, rinsing and air-drying them appears to enable reuse a few times. However, adhering to best practices ensures optimal safety and accuracy. The AlcoSense Excel and Pro models include five mouthpieces, while the Ultra model (priced at 3,500 SEK, and offering computer connectivity for data logging) includes 100. 25 new mouthpieces are available for 149 SEK at retailers such as Kjell & Co. Although relatively inexpensive (approximately 6 SEK each), this adds to the annual operating cost, potentially exceeding five hundred SEK (excluding shipping) with reasonable usage.

AlcoSense Pro – Conclusion

The AlcoSense Pro is a straightforward and effective device that provides accurate BAC readings. While the purchase price and recurring operational costs should be considered, they are considerably less significant than the potential fines and license revocation associated with impaired driving. Alternative devices are available at lower price points, and the entry-level AlcoSense Excel offers competent performance for 1,700 SEK (albeit lacking several features found in the Pro). All AlcoSense models are recommended by the MHF (Motorists’ Sobriety Association) for reliability and operational integrity. Based on this endorsement, coupled with our testing, we offer a strong recommendation for the target demographic: individuals who consume alcohol but require or desire to drive shortly thereafter. However, it may not be essential for consumers who adhere to common-sense practices or rely on designated sober drivers.

AlcoSense Pro and other models in the range can be purchased here in Sweden.