Originally Posted by
marlinspike
So call it out with specificity then. I've said throughout that I'm not intimately familiar with VA, but from what I've read they seem to do it more or less the same as NC. Which things, exactly, are wrong. The only one I can think of that might be wrong is that VA doesn't have the attachment to preserve the sample, but a VA judge told me that is the case here.
BTW, I'll be the first to say it, the Intox 5000 is right WAY more often than it is wrong, but I'm a fan of Blackstone's Ratio. And again, I think a cop who properly conducts the FSTs has a much higher hit rate than the magic box, so why do we value the blow more than the FSTs? (and before you bring up the ec/ir ii I don't think it to be any better)
Google "Henry's law", It's the scientific theory the Intox 500cd-fg is based on. The newer version Intox ec/ir II is also based on Henry's law. Both machines test themselves on a known solution. The 5000 is a liquid solution, the newer version is gas version. Yes, alcohol is temp dependent. The Intox 5000 has an operating temp range that is equivalent to ones body. The newer version is a little different because it's a dry gas solution, but the analytical system is heated which provides consistent and stable analysis.(google "the ideal gas law") If either machine is out of tolerance on the standard test solutions or the machine is to hot or to cold they will disable. It comes down to the machines will not give you a result unless all the functions are in proper working order and ranges. Hell, the new machine will even indicate if you inhale instead of blow.
Edit: As for the mouth alcohol issues, both machines will indicate if it's present and requires the test be restarted back at the 20 minute observation period.
Edit2: All the samples are available here in Va, all you have to do is contact DFS. They will also give you the dates of the machines certifications.
Edit3: Here in Va you do have the option to have an independent test of your blood. All done though the court. Two samples are taken, one is tested by the state for prosecution and the other is available for independent testing at the defendants request.