Employee Breath Alcohol Testing
Drink Responsibly, Test Responsibly
What Is Alcohol Testing?
With the use of evidential breath testers (EBT) and professional breathalyzer devices, we can accurately measure blood alcohol content in the bloodstream. The legal limit establishing impairment while driving is .08, which reflects the influence of alcohol on coordination and alertness.
The Department of Transportation (DOT) mandates that if an employee has a .04 positive test, they must be removed from driving or other safety-sensitive tasks. A .02 result requires temporary removal from duties under DOT regulations.
Mandatory alcohol screening and drug testing are requirements of the U.S. Department of Transportation for certain occupations such as trucking, aviation, maritime, pipeline, railroad, and transit industries.
While drinking alcohol is legal, accessible, and socially acceptable, it remains one of the main causes of failed breathalyzer tests and alcohol screenings in the United States.
Some subjects cannot complete a BAT test because of health conditions such as asthma or other lungs-related issues. Subjects who are heavy smokers or have respiratory problems may be unable to blow a steady stream of air into the EBT device. In such cases, a blood sample, blood tests, or a saliva test may be used instead. These alternatives deliver the same accuracy as a standard breathalyzer or Evidential Breath Testing device.
When to Use Workplace Breath And Alcohol Testing
Employers who are not subject to DOT regulations may also utilize workplace alcohol screening in specific situations.
Probable Cause BAT Testing
Testing based on probable cause, also known as reasonable suspicion, is used when an employee exhibits behavior that raises reasonable suspicion of impairment due to alcohol use disorder or drinking.
BAT Testing for Workplace Incidents & Accidents
Testing after an incident or accident—especially when property damage or injury occurs—is used to determine whether the influence of alcohol contributed to the event.
Random Breath Alcohol Testing
Many organizations perform unannounced, random breathalyzer tests to maintain compliance and safety. These onsite alcohol screenings are conducted without prior notice to preserve reliability.
No matter what your onsite BAT needs are, Butterfield Testing Solutions provides expert support and professional evidential breath testers for workplace alcohol testing.
Employer Responsibility Under DOT Testing Regulations
The DOT holds employers accountable for ensuring proper screening through alcohol breathalyzer and blood tests. To learn more about what an employer is responsible for click here. To serve clients better, Butterfield Testing Solutions offers the ethyl glucuronide (ETG) test, the Breath Alcohol Test (BAT), and the saliva strip test—all of which deliver precise accuracy and reliability.
Call Butterfield Testing Solutions today to schedule a breathalyzer or blood alcohol content test, or to ask about our TPA services to help you stay DOT-compliant.
How long does it take to do a urine drug test?
5-10 Min.
How long does it take to get results from a urine drug test?
Instantly
Results are immediate for the BAT test and the saliva strip test. It takes about 24-48 hours for the ETG (urine test).
Detection Window Period
Within 24 Hrs.
How an Alcohol Breathalyzer (EBT) Test Is Done
Step 1
The collector fills out paperwork and has the subject give consent with a signature.
Step 2
The collector prepares the Evidential Breath Testing (EBT) device. The collector then proceeds to explain instructions to the subject on how to properly complete the test without error.
Step 3
The subject blows a steady stream of air into the breathalyzer until the device beeps, allowing proper measurement of blood alcohol content.
Step 4
The EBT device records the result, prints a copy, and attaches it to the paperwork.
Step 5
Results are provided to the employer and Third Party Administrator, if applicable.
Breath Alcohol Testing Considerations
When performed correctly, onsite BAT testing delivers prompt, legally admissible results. Our technicians use evidential breath testers and breathalyzer tests approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation to ensure consistent accuracy.
These devices can differentiate alcohol from acetone even at low concentrations, preventing false positives and ensuring precise readings of blood alcohol content.
Butterfield Onsite Drug Testing (BODT) technicians can conduct alcohol testing at any time or place you need it. Our onsite blood alcohol and breathalyzer testing in Oregon provides immediate results with verified accuracy, supporting workplace safety and mental health awareness.
If a police officer or employer requires reliable confirmation of drinking behavior or blood alcohol content, our professional testing ensures trusted results every time.