PAS Systems International PAS Vr. Alcohol Screening & Verification... User manual

PAS Vr.
Alcohol Screening & Verification Unit
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
** Law Enforcement Version **
PAS Systems International, Inc.
215 Southport Dr. Suite 400
Morrisville, NC 27560
www.pasintl.com
(800) 660-SNIF ·[phone]
Copyright©2010 by PAS Systems International Inc., All Rights Reserved
!!! ATTENTION !!!
PLEASE READ

CONTENTS
Introduction 1
Law Enforcement, Schools, Industry 2
How the PAS Vr. Works 3
Basic Features 4
At A Glance Display 5
Initializing 6
Alcohol Screening & Verification 7
Active Breath Sampling 7
Passive Breath Sampling 9
Alternative Method of Sampling 11
Interpreting the Display 12
Low Temperature Operation 13
Detecting Alcohol in Open Containers 13
Clearing Overloads 14
Other Applications 15
Common Questions 16
Hints and Tips 18
Technical Specifications 19
Accessories 19
Quality Assurance Plan 20
Equipment Required for Checking PAS Vr. 21
Instructions for Using Alcohol/Breath Simulator 22
Readying the PAS Vr. for Testing 23
Sensitivity Checking/Testing 24
Calibration Procedure 25
PAS Vr. Calibration (Active/Direct Mode) 26
PAS Vr. Calibration (Passive Mode) 28
PAS Vr. Calibration (Dry Gas) 29
Record Keeping 32
Return, Service & Warranty 33
Bibliography 34

INTRODUCTION
The PAS Vr. Alcohol Screening and Verification System is an advanced portable breath alcohol tester
(PBT) that features both passive alcohol screening and direct measurements with the flip of a switch.
This hand-held analyzer provides both color coded LED's and numeric readout. Individuals who have
been trained in the administration of alcohol screening devices recommend this product.
The PAS Vr. is used to check breath alcohol levels with or without a subject's direct participation or
cooperation. When used without the subject's direct participation it'sknownas passivebreathsampling,
as opposed to active or direct testing where the subject blows directly into a mouthpiece or the intake
port. The PAS Vr. can also be used to detect alcohol from open containers, or to detect low levels of
alcohol in enclosed spaces such as vehicles, lockers or classrooms. The PAS Vr. functions as an
"extension of the operator's nose."
The operator controlled sampling system with mouthpiece guarantees a precise and tamper proof
measurement of the breath sample. The PAS Vr. is especially suited for quick subsequent
measurements.
Testing for Alcohol
The common testing medium for drugs is urine, but using a urine sample for quantitative analysis to
determine a blood alcohol level is not defensible without rigid adherence to complex test procedures.
Blood and urine sample results are available only after a forensic laboratory analysis has been
completed. This can take hours or weeks at asubstantialcost. Abreath testoffersimportantadvantages
by providing immediate results at a cost of pennies per sample. Whether breath tests are used for
screening or evidential purposes, breath alcohol testing offers an accurate, simple, and non-invasive
testing alternative.
A breath sample is easy to obtain, takes less than a minute to analyze, and with proper instrumentation
and training, produces evidentially acceptable results. The procedure is sanitaryand inexpensive using
a disposable mouthpiece. Or, alternatively simply "sniffing" (screening) for the presence of alcohol
initially by passive sampling, followed by a more exacting measurement using a disposable mouthpiece.
The American Medical Association has demonstrated that a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .04
percent impairs an individual to some degree. Impairment can occur at even lower levels in some
individuals. As a result, industries that test for alcohol have chosen to use either .04 or zero BrAC as
maximum acceptable levels in the workplace. In Zero Tolerance states, anyone under the age of 21
caught driving with anyamount of alcohol is considered illegal. In correctional institutionsandprisonsno
alcohol is allowed so instrumentation that can quickly and accurately sample inmates, staff, visitors and
enclosed spaces for alcohol can be invaluable.
1

Based on extensive experience with law enforcement agencies, corporations and correctional
institutions, it has been found that no single type of instrument can fill every need. As a result, PAS
Systems has developed alcohol analyzers that meet specific requirements.
Law Enforcement and Corrections
The PAS Vr. is designed specifically for use by law enforcement, correctional officers, security
personnel, and schoolofficials. It can beoperated with onehand,leavingthe othercompletelyfree.The
instrument is easy to use, and has been designed to withstand the physical conditions experienced in
operational situations. It is resistant to adverse weather conditions and mechanical shocks.
Industry
The PAS Vr. hasbeen used very successfullyas an alcohol deterrentin industry. Whenusedas arapid
screening device to detect alcohol in human breath, the PAS Vr. will help you decide whether to use an
evidential breath tester (EBT) in individual employee cases. The PAS Vr. is designed for industry and
transportation agencies and complies with the U.S. Department of Transportation requirements for
workplace testing regulations according to 49 CFR, Part 40.
Individuals who have been trained in the administration of screening devices recommend the PAS Vr.
Careful review of this manual will prepare and qualify you for using the PAS Vr. asa reliable andprecise
procedure in the testing of employees for the presence of breath alcohol.
Zero Tolerance
The U. S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
encourages states to enact zero tolerance laws designed to reduce drinkinganddrivingamongyounger
drivers. Such laws should: (a) establish that any measurable amount (.02 maximum) of alcohol in the
blood, breath, or urine of a driverunder the age of 21 would be an “illegal per se” offense; (b) provide for
immediate driver license suspension periods for those under 21 who exceed the applicable breath
alcohol concentration (BrAC) limit.
However, many other situations call for zero tolerance of alcohol. For example, in any correctional
institution alcohol is not allowed, inmate work release programs, in-home incarceration programs,
parolees, and in schools. In drug and alcohol treatment centers and counseling activities, alcohol
consumption must be prohibited and monitored.
The PAS Vr. used in the passive alcohol detectionmode is a safe, cost-effective,andreliablemethodfor
all such applications.
Further guidance, training, or questions regarding this precision instrument system, or its use in
screening subjects for the presence of breath alcohol can be obtained by calling 800-660-SNIF.
2

How the PAS Vr. Works
When you use the PAS Vr., a small pump draws a breath sample through an
electrochemicalsensor (fuelcell) thatgenerates asmall electricalcurrentin thepresence
of alcohol vapor. This current is amplified electronically and used to drive a multicolored
bar graph and numeric display. The number of bars lit in the display indicated the
alcohol concentration in the breath sample. The proprietary sensor provides high
precision, short analysis time, and long-term stability. Only true alcohol content is
recorded even when exposed to other breath interfering substances, for example,
acetone.
The PAS Vr. is powered by a 9-volt alkaline battery.
We want you to get the best possible results from your PAS Vr. Please take the time to
study this manual and to practice using the instrument before using it on patrol, in your
company’s U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Alcohol Misuse and Prevention
Program, or Zero - Tolerance program.
3

PAS Vr.
BASIC FEATURES
Proceeding from top to bottom in the diagram below, the components of the PAS Vr. are:
Disposable Disposable mouthpieces supplied
Mouthpiece for active breath testing (BrAC).
Sampling Ports Two small holes let the air sample
pass through the PAS Vr. The inlet
port is on the top, and the outlet
port is on the backside of the unit.
Sampling The testing mode switch controls
Mode Switch the passive (PAS ON) testing
function or the active/direct (AS
ON with mouthpiece) settings.
Bar Graph Nine rectangular LED lamps give
with Numeric an indication of the alcohol level in
Display the air sample. The display is color
coded for easy reading at night
(see pg 12) with numeric display.
Control Button The single push button controls the
sensor and sample pump.
Power Switch Switch controls battery power to
the PAS Vr.
Battery The PAS Vr. uses a 9-Volt alkaline
Battery.
4

AT-A-GLANCE DISPLAY
The PAS Vr. provides 6 indicator lamps located above and below the bar-graph display
(see diagram below). These lamps provide useful feedback when using the PAS Vr.
Sample Pump Indicator
Power On Indicator
A/D Mode
Sensor Indicator
Low Battery Lamp
Heater Indicator
The yellow PMP lampindicates
when the PAS is taking an air or
breath sample. It comes on for
a few seconds at the beginning
of each alcohol measurement
cycle.
Controls batterycurrenttothe
unit indicated by the red lamp at
the top center of display.
The flashing green ACT lamp
indicates the active/direct-
testing (AS) mode is on. If this
lamp is on, you must use a
disposable mouthpiece.
The green LED Lamp indicates
the power to the PAS Vr.is ON.
The red BAT lampflashesonce
a second when the battery is
almost discharged and ready
for replacement.
The orange HTR lamp comes
on when the fuel cell heater is
on. The heater auto-cycles on
and off to maintain an optimum
fuel cell temperature at 104°F
(40°C) +/- 5°
5

INITIALIZING
After receiving your PAS Vr. it is important to follow these steps:
[1] Install Battery Unpack all the parts shipped with your PAS Vr. Remove
the battery cover and check for a single 9-volt battery.
Install if needed and replace the battery cover.
[2] Turn System On Slide the power switch to the "on" position (on left side of
device). The red lamp should appear at the top/center of
the display. Wait two (2) minutes for unit to initialize.
[3] Heater The heater automaticallycomeson whenever thesystem is
on. The orange heater lamp should appear (lower right
corner ofdisplay). Wait about two (2) minutes or until the
heater lamp cycles off. The fuel cell heater cycles on and
off as necessary.
[4] Activate Sensor Press, or tap, the black switch button and release
immediately. A small green bar lamp should appear at the
bottom of the display. No other bars should light. A yellow
pump light will appear at top left of display. After 4-5
seconds the pump light will automatically turn off.
The system check is now complete and you are now ready to practice the procedures
explained in this manual.
CAUTION! : Many hand lotions, body creams, perfumes, and colognes, etc. contain
large amounts of alcohol. Whenever those containers are opened orlotion is used,large
amounts of alcohol may be released into the air. If you take samples of air using the
passive test mode, you may detect this ambient alcohol. To eliminate this problem, you
must clear the air with fresh (alcohol free) air or leave that particular area to get reliable
test results.
6

PAS Vr. ALCOHOL SCREENING & VERIFICATION SYSTEM
INSTRUCTIONS
The PAS Vr. is a hand-held breath alcohol-measuring instrument intended for use as an alcohol-
screening device to detect deep lung alcohol in human breath when used with the mouthpiece, and no
mouth alcohol is present. Although the PAS Vr. is simple to operate, it is important that the
following procedure is complied with in the order given each time a breath test is run.
ACTIVE /DIRECT BREATH SAMPLING
(Mouthpiece Required)
Step 1: Power On Power on the PAS Vr. a minute or two before you plan to test. The
power-on switch will automatically activate the fuel cell heater to
ensure the unit responds quickly to alcohol. The orange HTR lamp
will cycle on and off as the thermostat regulates the fuel cell
temperature (see page 13).
Step 2: Battery Check Check that the red low-battery (BAT) lamp is not flashing. If it is, the
battery should be replaced before using the PAS Vr.
Step 3: Zero Check If you are unsure if the fuel cell has recovered from the previous
sample, check a sample of alcohol-free air and verify that no bars
light up in the display. Observe for about 15-20 seconds. If bars do
light up, wait a minute, then try again. In severe cases, refer to the
section on Overload Recovery on page 14.
Step 4: Subject Testing Set samplingmode switch to active mode(ASON);(greenACTlight
will flash). Securely insert a "new" disposable mouthpiece into the
intake port of the PAS Vr. Insert the opposite end into the mouth of
the subject. Have subject take a deep breath - hold - and slowly but
steadily exhale into the mouthpiece. As the subject exhales, tap and
release the black switch button. A green LED will appear at the
bottom of the display and the yellow pump light in the left upper
corner comes on as the breath sample is collected. (SEE NOTE -
PAGE 8)
Step 5: Peak Reading After the yellow pump light goes out you may remove the PAS Vr.
mouthpiece from the mouth of the subject to observe the display.
The pump draws air through the fuel cell for about 5 seconds. If there
is alcohol present the bars in the main display will start lighting up,
with a peak reading within 15 seconds or less.
7

Step 6: PAS Vr. Off After noting/recording the peak reading, press the control button
again and release it immediately. The main display will turn off, and
the fuel cell will recover. Remove and dispose of the mouthpiece.
Step 7: Power Off Turn power switch to the “off” position to conserve the battery
when the system is not in use for extended periods, e.g.,
overnight, weekends, etc.
Step 8: Record Results Record results into a suitable log; note the number of bars or the
numeric value (express results in terms of weight of alcohol (gm) per
volume of breath (liters)) of the bar-graph that light up, if any. If no
bars light up record "Negative for Detectable Levels of Breath
Alcohol" and have the subject initial the recorded results. If bars
light up indicating the concentration of alcohol, the employee if in the
commercial transportation industry must be given an Evidential
Breath Test (EBT) using a NHTSA/ D.O.T. approved EBT device.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and D.O.T approved
procedures (49CFR Part 40) for conducting the EBT.
Note: Give the subject exact instructions as to what he/she is required to do in order to provide a
suitable sample of breath for analysis. Tell the subject that he/she must fill his/her lungs andthen blow
slowly but firmly, and continue to blow until you tell him/her to stop. Finally, tell the subject to keep
his/her hands down away from the instrument.
ATTACH MOUTHPIECE
Take a new PAS Vr. mouthpiece and check that the packaging is still intact. IMPORTANT! Use only
the PAS Vr. mouthpieces; these are designed and produced for PAS Systems. Do Not
Substitute! It is important the mouthpiece isattached to the instrument in such away that your fingers
do not touch the actual blowing end, otherwise the subject mayrefuseto take it into his orhermouth on
the grounds of alleged lack of hygiene. Hold the mouthpiece, through the wrapper, between the thumb
and forefinger around the blowing end and peel or force the mouthpiece through the wrapper so as to
expose the small tipand about half of the barrel. Insert the tip intothe sampling port on the right side of
the PAS Vr. instrument, then firmly seat. The mouthpiece body should fit positively into place and stay.
Having attached the mouthpiece, finally remove the wrapper from the blowing end, and dispose of it
properly. You may wish to retainthe wrapper to remove the mouthpiece once the test is complete,and
dispose of the two items together, or you may ask the subject to remove theirownmouthpiece bypulling
straight out.
8

PASSIVE BREATH SAMPLING
(No Mouthpiece Required)
Step 1: Power On Power on the PAS Vr. a minute or so before you plan to test.
(INITIALIZE) The orange HTR lamp will cycle on and off as the thermostat
regulates the fuel cell temperature.
Step 2: Battery Check Check that the red low-battery (BAT) lamp is not flashing. If it is, the
battery should be replaced before using the PAS Vr.
Step 3: Zero Check If you are unsure if the fuel cell has recovered from the previous
(AIR BLANK) sample, check a sample of alcohol-free air and verify that no bars
light up in the display. Observe for about 15-20 seconds. If bars do
light up, wait a minute, then try again. In severe cases refer to the
section on Overload Recovery on page 14.
Step 4: Set Mode Set sampling mode switch to the Passive setting (PAS ON) (See
switch on right side of instrument).
Step 5: Subject Testing Have subject talk (recite alphabet, recite name, address,
telephone number, etc.) or gently blow. Hold the device about 5-7
inches in front of the subject’s mouth. As subject is talking or
blowing, tap and release the sensor control switch. Agreen LED will
appear at the bottom of the display and the yellow pump light in the
left upper corner comes on asthe breath sampleiscollected(approx.
4-5 seconds). If alcohol ispresent the bar-graph displaywillbeginto
light up within a few seconds.
Step 6: Peak Reading After the yellow light goes out you may remove the device from the
breath stream. Observe the bar-graph display for 5-15 seconds. If
there is alcohol present, the bars in the main display will start
lighting up with a peak reading within about 2-10 seconds. If bars
light up record the number of bars that light indicating the
approximate concentration of breath alcohol (BrAC).
Step 7: PAS Vr. Off After noting/recording the peak reading, press the control
button again and release it immediately. The Sensor main display
will turn off, and the fuel cell will recover. Always turn the PAS
Sensor off after recording the reading.
9

PASSIVE BREATH SAMPLING
(Continued)
Step 8: Power Off Turn power switch to off position to conserve the battery
when the system is not in use for extended periods (overnight,
weekends, etc.).
Step 9: Record Result Record results into a suitable log, record the number of barsthatlight
up, if any. If no bars on the graph light up record "Negative for
Detectable Levels of Breath Alcohol" and have the subject initial the
recorded results.
CAUTION!: Be aware that ambient air alcohol may be present in your test area. Such
alcohol sources may be from hand and body lotions, anti-bacterial lotions and creams,
mouthwashes, perfumes, colognes, etc. Check Labels. Perform testing in areas away
from such materials. Freshly applied hand creamsandlotionsmayemitlargeamountsof
alcohol into the air. Certain cleaning solutions may also contain alcohol.
Remember 3 Key principals (DDT) for accurate passive sampling:
Distance: 5-7 inches
Direction: Point intake port towards persons mouth
Talking: Have person talk while sampling pump is running
REMEMBER "DDT"
10

ALTERNATIVE METHOD OF SAMPLING
ZERO TOLERANCE TESTING
Using the PAS Vr. for reliable confirmation of the absence of alcohol (no alcohol) may
best be obtained by:
Step 1: Instruct the subject to take a deep breathandexhale slowly
for about 5-10 seconds.
Step 2: As the subject is exhaling place the sample port
approximately 6 inches from the subject's mouth and tap
and release the sensor control switchto activatethesensor
and sampling pump.
Step 3:Hold the PAS Vr. directly in the breath stream until the
yellow sampling pump goes out.
Step 4: Observe the bar-graph display for approximately 15
seconds or less and record the number of bars that light up
indicating the approximate concentration of breath alcohol
(BrAC).
Step 5:If no bars light up, the subject is likely free of breath/lung
alcohol. Further confirmation can be made by using the
active/direct setting with a mouthpiece.
11

Low Temperature Operation
At low temperatures, fuel cells take longer to reach their peak readings of alcohol level. They also take
longer to recover from each positive sample before you can take another. To overcome this problem,
your PAS Vr. includes a thermostatically controlled heater which maintains the fuel cell temperature at
104°F (40°C).
The heater comes on automatically when the power switch is on. The fuel cell reaches its operating
temperature within a few minutes, although the exact time obviously depends on how cold it is to start
with. The orange HTR indicator cycles on and off as the thermostat regulates the fuel cell temperature.
The sensitivity of the fuel cell is not affected much by temperature. A cold unit will work just fine---it's
simply slower to respond and recover. You do not have to wait for the fuel cell to warm up.
Detecting Alcohol in Open Containers
Under suitable conditions, the PAS Vr. will detect alcohol in open containers, in vehicles, lockers and
other enclosed spaces. Please refer to the section on Enclosed Spaces for further details. (page 15).
CAUTION! BEVERAGE SAMPLING: Be aware that certain citrus-based beverages have been
reported to give a positive reaction when sampled with a Passive Alcohol Sensor.
For Example: Citrus-Based beverages such as Mountain Dew, Mello Yello, Code Red, etc., may give
positive readings. It’s not clear if these beverages are in fact fermenting and producing low levels of
alcohol, or if certain ingredients are reacting chemically with the electrochemical fuel cell in some
manner to provide a positive reading.
To minimize confusion, always retest subjects (individuals) about 15 minutes after an initial positive
reading to verify true alcohol presence and not the result of residual mouth alcohol from these types of
beverages. However, individuals may “spike” these drinks to cover up their actual alcohol consumption.
Wait 15 minutes and retest the subject (follow sampling instructions on page 9) to verify if they are
abusing alcohol.
Further, always conduct an “air blank” between samplings to ensure the fuel cell sensor is clear of any
residual alcohol carried over from the prior sample. “Air Blanks” are done by simply activating the pump
and processing a sampleof alcohol-free ambient air. Observe the displayforapproximately20 seconds
after the sample pump has stopped. If no bars light up you may assume the sensor isfree of anycarry-
over and you may proceed with sampling the next subject (individual). See the section on “Clearing
Overloads” for additional information.
13

Clearing Overloads
If your PAS Vr. is overloaded, it will take a few minutes to recover. Here is the
procedure for rapid fuel cell recovery:
[1] PAS Sensor Off/Power On Turn off the sensor by tapping and releasing the
black sensor switch button but leave the power
switch “ON” to speed recovery.
[2] Check in 5 Minutes After 5 minutes, turn the sensor back on and check
the PAS Vr. with an alcohol-free air sample. If bars
still light up in the display within approximately 20
seconds, repeat steps 1 and 2 as necessary until the
overload has been completely cleared.
[3] PAS Off Turn off the sensor. Your unit is now cleared and
ready for use.
14

OTHER APPLICATIONS
Passive Mode --- Zero Tolerance
Alcohol in Enclosed Spaces
The PAS Vr. is sensitive enough to detect background levels of alcohol in enclosed spaces
such as vehicles, rooms, lockers, etc. This is useful for detecting drinking byminors in cars or
at social gatherings, without sampling each individual's breath, or in correctional facilities and
treatment centers.
To detect alcohol in any enclosed space, simply run the PAS Vr. to sample still air drawn from
anywhere in the space. Just make sure you don't sample fresh air from an open door or
window.
Under suitable conditions, the PAS Vr. will detect alcohol from open containers in vehicles.
Containers will be easier to detect as you get closer to them if the alcohol content is high, and
if you prevent the vehicle space from getting flushed with fresh air.
Crash Victims
If a crash victim is unconscious, it can be important to know whether he or she has been
drinking. This will often determine the best course of emergency medical treatment.
Even if the victim is conscious, it is important to know whether alcohol might have contributed
to the accident. This will influence the course of any investigation.
Any crash victim who is breathing can be checked with the PAS Vr. An unconscious subject
might be exhaling from the nose instead of the mouth, but the procedure is the same as with
anyone else. You only need a few seconds to take the breath sample, and you can move
away while the PAS Vr. display is reaching its peak level.
Alcoholic Beverages
With open container laws and the problems of alcohol inour schools,the PASVr.isinvaluable
for determining whether a beverage contains alcohol. This is easily done by sampling the air
above the container.
Warning!The air over an alcoholic drink--even a beer has much more alcohol in it than a drinker's breath.
It is therefore easy to overload the PAS Vr. when checking beverage containers. Overloading should be
avoided whenever possible, because it takes the fuel cell longer to recover, and its performancewillgradually
deteriorate.
To check a container for alcohol, angle the inlet port away from the container opening to dilute the sample. If
your first reading is inconclusive, you can always take another one with less dilution.
The PAS Vr. readings should not be taken as an accurate indication of the strength of the drink. However,
with a little experience you should be able to distinguish between beer, wine, and spirits. Take the time to
practice on various drinks and develop an operating style that avoids overloading the instrument.
15

COMMON QUESTIONS
Here are the answers to questions most often asked by PAS Vr. users:
What do I do if…
Q. The unit won't take a sample; the green or yellow indicators do not come on?
A. The sampling pump may be damaged or the indicator lamp may be faulty.
Otherwise, you might have a dead battery.
Q. The PAS Vr. detects alcohol, but seems to be giving low readings in the Active
mode?
Your unit might need recalibrating or the mouthpiece may be incorrectly seated.
Caution: Flow-rate is important. Have subject blow slowly, butsteadilyfor about5
seconds for best results.
Q. The display lights up several bars with no alcohol present?
A. Improper performance of initialization procedure may cause display bars to light.
This can also be due to background levels of alcohol vapor in the air, but it is more
likely that the fuel cell has not recovered from the previous positive reading. Many
hand lotions contain alcohol that maycontaminate the air. (See Caution Page 13).
If the problem persists when you check a sample of fresh air, follow the procedure
for clearing overloads on page 14.
Q The PAS Vr. appears to be too sensitive?
A. You might be using the instrument improperly, or it might need to be recalibrated.
Q. The heater won't come on?
A. The heater may be at optimum temperature, it will continue to cycle on and off.
Otherwise, you might have a low battery or defective thermostat.
Q. The red LED lamp starts flashing?
A. The battery is discharged and could give a false reading. Replace it before using
the unit.
16