The AlcoSense Ultra uses exactly the same professional 200mm2 fuel cell alcohol sensor as several UK, US and European Police breathalysers, taking accuracy, features and ease of use to a new level and is the culmination of three years of research and development.

The Ultra uses a professional grade sampling system to ensure that only deep lung air (the most accurate part of the breath) is measured by the sensor. It also uses additional professional-grade sensors to measure the blow pressure, flow rate and volume of breath exhaled and takes a reading when one-litre of air has been exhaled ensuring that the most accurate sample is always taken. To improve accuracy even further, readings are fine-tuned according to temperature.

Its patented Blow Coach feature helps you to blow into it correctly. If you get it wrong, the Ultra diagnoses why the test failed and gives you tailored tips so that you can quickly get it right next time. Importantly, the AlcoSense Ultra has some clever software to eliminate under-reading by reading a little on the safe side. There is also protection from sensor saturation e.g. if you perform your breath test shortly after drinking when alcohol is still present in the mouth.

The AlcoSense Ultra features a full-colour 1.8in (48mm) screen, which gives you clear traffic light coloured screens with detailed readings of your alcohol level in both blood or breath readings. The Ultra not only alerts you NOT to drive if you’re close to or over your chosen limit, it will even calculate how long it will take until you’re sober and set an alarm to re-test you again later. It will store 128 of your personal results in its onboard memory with date and time stamps, using the bespoke AlcoSense software.  This is downloadable onto your PC giving you a record of your results.

All European and several worldwide drink-drive limits are pre-set on the Ultra so it’s easy to use on any cross-border road trip all year round. Should a limit change, the unit can be updated through a software download from AlcoSense. You can even pre-set your own self-imposed limit lower than the country you are in.

And finally, the Ultra features a backlit blow tube receptor so it’s easy to use on dark mornings, evenings or at dusk. The mouthpieces feature a one-way valve to eliminate contamination from previous tests for ultimate accuracy.

“Even one alcoholic drink can slow your reaction time, inhibit judgement, reduce concentration and affect motor skills such as eye, foot and hand co-ordination – increasing the likelihood of an accident,” said Hunter Abbott, MD of AlcoSense and member of PACTS, transport safety advisers to Parliament.

AlcoSense offers a re-calibration service by post using Police-spec Breath Alcohol Simulators for your Ultra on an annual basis. The Ultra will automatically alert you to this check after eleven months and, after posting to the company, will be back with you within five working days.

The AlcoSense Ultra is manufactured under ISO13485 conditions, the benchmark in medical device quality systems ENDS.