Police use breathalyzers to ensure public safety on the road, but breath alcohol testing is also common for those covered under DOT regulations for mandatory drug/alcohol screening, as well
as post-accident or reasonable suspicion testing or for anyone performing a safety-sensitive job. PEth alcohol testing is used to test for alcohol in the body as well, but using blood rather than breath. Want to know more about these tests at Oris? Read on!

BAT - Breath Alcohol Test
What is a Breath Alcohol Test?
What do I need to bring with me?
How long does the test take?
The BAT usually takes about 15 minutes, including paperwork.
How long does it take to get the results?
The results are known instantly. If done on paper, the original testing form stays at the testing facility, and a copy will be provided both for the employee and employer, each with an original readout attached from the BAT device.
How do you read blood alcohol content in a test that uses breath?
Our Alcovisor Jupiter – a NHTSA-approved evidentiary breath device - uses a fuel cell sensor which detects ethyl alcohol - or ethanol - in the breath.
What can affect BAC?
BAC can vary based on age, gender, volume/strength/speed of alcohol consumption, body weight/fat content/muscle content, metabolism, medications, food consumed, whether the alcohol is carbonated (champagne) or in a carbonated base (mixed drinks with soda), personal tolerance for alcohol, and any physiological issues such as diabetes.
What if I’m diabetic? Or on a low carb [Keto] diet?
Is there any way to beat the BAT?
How do I know your device is accurate?
If I'm a DOT-regulated driver, can I refuse a breathalyzer?
You can, but this will be seen as a Refusal to Test, which is basically equivalent to a positive breathalyzer result of 0.040 or greater, thus a violation of DOT regulations. This level requires that you be removed from safety-sensitive duties, meet with a Substance Abuse Professional for assessment and aftercare, undergo a series of random follow-up drug/alcohol screenings, and complete a return-to-duty test.
How is the test conducted?
How long can a breathalyzer detect alcohol in the lungs?
In general, about 24 hours.
What is the science behind Oris' Alcovisor Jupiter breathalyzer?
Oris uses an extremely accurate and sensitive device with a fuel cell sensor, thus providing the most reliable results. This is the exact same technology used by law enforcement.
PEth Test - Blood Spot
What does "PEth" mean?
PEth stands for "Phosphatidylethanol."
What do I need to bring with me?
How long does the test take?
The entire PEth test process usually takes about 30 minutes.
How long does it take to get the results?
Oris uses United States Drug Testing Laboratory (USDTL), and the results average 3-5 days.
What is a PEth test?
PEth is also known as a "dried blood spot" test, and is done to detect the presence of alcohol consumption during the 2-3 week period prior to testing, so is more commonly known as a mid- to long-term biomarker for alcohol. It is considered a highly sensitive and extremely effective way to test for chronic alcohol abuse.
How is a PEth test conducted?
Alcohol (EtG) Blood Test
Is blood drawn for this test?
Yes, by a licensed phlebotomist.
What do I need to bring with me?
How long does the test take?
The entire PEth test process usually takes about 30-45 minutes, including paperwork.
How long does it take to get the results?
Oris uses United States Drug Testing Laboratory (USDTL), and the results average 3-5 days.
How is this test conducted?
A licensed phlebotomist will collect the sample via venipuncture (needle and syringe). The sample will be sealed with tamper-evident tape, packaged in the appropriate pouch, and sent with all relevant custody and control paperwork to the lab.
What are EtG and EtS?
EtG is short for ethyl glucuronide - or ethanol, and EtS is ethyl sulfate. Both are direct biomarkers for alcohol, though EtS is considered the more minor of the two.
What is the science behind this test?
The process, specifically, is gas chromatography, which separates ethanol from other alcohols.