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The electrochemical sensor or fuel cell is the most common sensor technology used in modern alcohol interlocks and other breath testing devices. In these devices, the alcohol in the breath sample undergoes a chemical oxidation reaction when it comes into contact with a platinum disc. The electrical response (current) that is generated is converted into an alcohol reading which is compared to a baseline (non-alcohol) reading. The change in the magnitude of the current is proportional to the amount of alcohol contained in the breath sample.
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