Modifications proposed to the Canadian Society of Forensic Science Alcohol Test Committee from November 2019 to April 2025

The Intoxilyzer® 8000C, an evidential breath alcohol analyzer, was evaluated according to the Recommended Standards and Procedures (2003) of the Canadian Society of Forensic Science Alcohol Test Committee (ATC). The results of this testing demonstrated that the instrument met, or exceeded, the requirements of the ATC on all criteria including accuracy, linearity, precision, and acetone interference. Human subject testing allowed for the comparison of blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) determined by the Intoxilyzer® 8000C against near-simultaneous breath test results from an Intoxilyzer® 5000C, a well-established, Approved Instrument in Canada since 1992. The results of 50 paired breath samples on 10 drinking subjects were well-correlated (R2 = 0.968) and described by a linear model, y = 1.02x + 2.51. The validation of the Intoxilyzer® 8000C according to the rigid standards of the ATC Equipment Evaluation Procedure demonstrates the instrument to be an accurate and reliable means of determining breath alcohol concentrations over a range of forensically relevant BACs. Subsequent to this evaluation, the Intoxilyzer® 8000C was added to the approved list of evidential instruments on 29 August 2007.

The Canadian Society of Forensic Science (CSFS) established a “Special Committee on Breath Testing” in 1967 to study scientific, technical and law enforcement aspects of breath tests for alcohol. T...

ABSTRACTIn Canada, evidentiary breath test instruments and screening devices must undergo rigorous testing by the Alcohol Test Committee and meet specified performance standards before any breath test equipment can be used by the police. Furthermore, when manufacturers modify or alter any of their components of previously evaluated equipment, these changes must be identified to the Alcohol Test Committee and re-evaluated if necessary, prior to being incorporated in any breath test equipment used in Canada. This paper is a summary of the processes involved in the evaluation of breath test equipment, as well as the steps taken by the Alcohol Test Committee to ensure that any modifications to the originally approved equipment will not affect the performance of the evidentiary instrument or screening device.

ABSTRACTThe Alcotest 7110 MKIII Dual C breath alcohol analyzer (MKIII Dual C) was evaluated according to the CSFS Alcohol Test Committee (ATC) standards (1998) for approved instruments. The MKIII Dual C uses two detectors: infrared (IR) at 9.5 μm and an electrochemical sensor (EC). Vapours from aqueous acetone solutions of 5, 10 and 50 milligrams in 100 millilitres of solution did not produce any readings other than zero on the instrument. Vapours from aqueous solutions of acetaldehyde, methanol, isopropanol, toluene, ethyl acetate and diethyl ether were blown into the MKIII Dual C to determine potential interference with the operation of the instrument. The instrument registered an “Interference” result with acetaldehyde, methanol, isopropanol, ethyl acetate and diethyl ether while toluene registered as a zero reading. The instrument's performance exceeded the ATC criteria for precision and accuracy when tested with vapours from aqueous alcohol solutions designed to simulate blood alcohol concentrations in the range of 50 to 350 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood. Human subject testing (n = 11) showed a correlation with two Approved Instruments (BAC Datamaster C and Intoxilyzer®5000C) that exceeded the ATC criteria.

Dear Sir,Since September 2009, the Alcohol Test Committee (ATC) has identified proposed modifications to approved equipment through publication in the Canadian Society of Forensic Science (CSFS) Jo...

Since September 2009, the Alcohol Test Committee (ATC) has identified proposed modifications to approved equipment through publication in the Canadian Society of Forensic Science Journal. From Sept...

In 2009 the Alcohol Test Committee of the Canadian Society of Forensic Science changed the calibration check interval of Approved Screening Devices from every 2 weeks to every 31 days. Data from 612 calibration checks of a group of Alco-Sensor IV DWF screening devices were analyzed using a contingency table and x2 analysis as well as a significance test for a difference in proportions. There were no statistically significant differences between the length of time of the calibration interval and the frequency of a device requiring recalibration. This analysis shows the Alco-Sensor IV DWF is no more likely to require calibration up to and including a 5 week interval when compared to a 2 week interval, supporting the Alcohol Test Committee decision.

The Alcohol Test Committee (ATC) of the Canadian Society of Forensic Science sets out equipment standards and evaluation procedures for the evaluation of breath testing equipment in Canada. The Intoxilyzer® 9000 was evaluated according to the 2014 Equipment Standards and Evaluation Procedures with results demonstrating that the instrument met, or exceeded, the requirements of the ATC on all criteria including accuracy, linearity, precision, and acetone interference. Human subject testing provided a comparison of blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) determined by the Intoxilyzer® 9000 with near-simultaneous breath test results from an Intoxilyzer® 8000C, an Approved Instrument in Canada since 2007. The results of 50 paired breath samples on 10 drinking subjects were well-correlated (R2 = 0.966) and described by a linear model, y = 0.95x + 0.84. The validation of the Intoxilyzer® 9000 according to the standards of the ATC demonstrates the instrument to be an accurate and reliable means of determining breath alcohol concentrations over a range of forensically relevant BACs. The Intoxilyzer® 9000 was added to the Approved Breath Analysis Instruments Order in 2019 identifying it as suitable for the purposes of Section 320.14 of the Criminal Code of Canada.

Canadian Society of Forensic Science Alcohol Test Committee Recommended Best Practices for a Breath Alcohol Testing Program

SummaryThe standards and procedures presented are intended as recommendations that encourage the development of a quality system or best practices within a breath test program. They are not to be considered as required elements of proof in addition to those already provided in the Criminal Code. The Recommended Standards and Procedures reflect new developments in science, technology, and the law. The standards address five general areas: equipment, materials, general administrative considerations, training and designations, and maintenance and modifications. Standards for equipment pertain to approved instruments, approved screening devices, and approved containers for breath samples and blood samples. Standards regarding materials are intended to help manufacturers and purchasers develop and purchase equipment that measures specific materials as described in the standards. Standards for breathalyzer ampoules are also presented under the category of “Materials.” Under General Administrative Considerations, standards are presented for the qualifications of key personnel who are responsible for ensuring the alcohol testing system is properly designed and implemented. These personnel are the Program Director, Training Course Director, and Field Coordinators. Together, these personnel are responsible for ensuring that the major aspects of quality breath-testing operations are followed. The qualities and duties of each of these staff members are addressed in the standards. Standards that deal with Training and Designations pertain to approved instruments and approved screening devices. Standards for Maintenance and Modifications focus on inspections, field maintenance, qualifications of authorized service personnel, modifications, and maintenance logs. Recommended procedures encompass operational procedures and equipment evaluation procedures.

This is an important contribution to the field of forensic alcohol testing and a testament to its historical development with a focus on one of its stalwarts, Dr. Robert F. Borkenstein. The nine chapters may be classified into three sections. First, the life and work of Dr. Borkenstein (one chapter), second, a review of principles and the development of alcohol testing and programs (six chapters), and third, clinical aspects (two chapters). The appreciation of history is fundamental to the advancement of science and this publication uniquely combines science with history and allows the reader to review the current status of alcohol testing while tracing the path of such knowledge.

Forensic anthropology (special section of the Canadian Society of Forensic Science Journal/La Societe Canadienne des Sciences Judiciaires Journal, volume 22, numbers 1 and 2). Guest edited by M. F. Skinner and M. Y. Iscan. Ottawa, Ontario: The Canadian Society for forensic science. 1989, no price indicated (paper)

ABSTRACTThis historical overview of breath alcohol technology examines the changes in breath alcohol detection from approximately 1930 onward. There have been tremendous changes in technology over this time period from slow, manually-operated, wet-chemical instruments like the Drunkometer or Breathalyzer to automatic rapid, computerized infrared (IR) instruments like the Intoxilyzer 8000C. There have been approximately six generations of breath alcohol testing instruments that have been used in Canada and are listed according to the method of analysis for breath. The role of the Alcohol Test Committee in responding to these changes is discussed.

Chapter 12 - Questioned Document Research Present and Future

The role and ethical responsibilities of the forensic scientist are reviewed. The context of this discussion includes the application and support of chemical tests for alcohol statutes in the United States adversary system of justice. The goal of this review is to stimulate awareness among the various participants (that is, scientist, prosecutor, defense counsel, judges, and law enforcement officials) in traffic law enforcement situations. Their mutual understanding and cooperation is essential to the effective and efficient use of chemical test procedures. The relative scientific weight that should be given to blood, breath, and urine tests for alcohol is presented.