ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the level of quality control that should be employed in the forensic breath testing context. Quality control in forensic breath alcohol analysis consists of many elements that work in combination to ensure integrity of the final numerical results. A quality characteristic that is given significant weight by customers is program accreditation. Accreditation granted by a reputable organization is basically the assurance that a program has demonstrated a basic level of quality assurance in providing an analytical product that is fit-for-purpose and meets the needs of customers. One of the most important elements in developing a program’s quality control is the determination and reporting of measurement uncertainty. Regular participation in a proficiency test program is one of the most important elements of quality control for a breath test program. The protocol employed in measuring an individual’s breath alcohol is probably the most obvious and familiar to the customers of a breath test program.
