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Alco-Sensor VXL Calibration Procedure

Prior to calibrating an Intoximeters breath alcohol testing instrument, you should be trained to perform the calibration functions as allowed under your specific testing program. The calibration procedures below are designed to help you ensure precise and accurate test results. If according to your program you are not authorized to perform calibrations, please see your program administrator or contact Intoximeters for assistance. Typically, a calibration is not required if the results of accuracy checks are within the program’s acceptable tolerance.

Refer to the Operator’s Manual for your instrument for specific instructions on calibrating your device. DO NOT perform this procedure unless you are authorized to do so.

Prior to running a Calibration you should make certain that the Standard you will be using is current and all of the operating parameters for that device have been met:

  • Have as little tubing as possible between the gas out port of the standard and the mouthpiece of the Alco-Sensor VXL.
  • Check Expiration Date (on Wet Bath Simulator Solution or Dry Gas Tank)
  • Check temperature of the Wet Bath Simulator (if used)
  • If using a Dry Gas standard, insure the tank is at room temperature
  • Purge the simulator tubing or dry gas regulator for several seconds
  • Know the current expected value of the Standard
  • If you keep a calibration log, it should be present

Tools Required:

  • Dry Gas Standard & Regulator
    • *(6 liter per minute (lpm) flow rate for automated or manual sampling)
    • *(1.5 liter per minute (lpm) flow rate for manual sampling)
      See the difference between the two.
  • True-Cal or True-Cal II Device
  • Alco-Sensor VXL
  • New Mouthpiece
  • Calibration Logbook (if used)

Note: A calibration standard can be a:

    • Dry Gas Cylinder and Regulator
    • Wet Bath Simulator and Solution

For this demonstration, a dry gas tank is used as the standard – value (at sea level) of .082%. a True-Cal Device was used to give the expected value of the standard at the time of our demonstration – the True-Cal will show the expected gas value adjusted for the current atmospheric pressure. Therefore, the target value for this demonstration is .080.

Please note that the display screens for performing calibrations on the Alco-Sensor VXL may vary by software version.  The test sequence described here may be slightly different than the sequence on your ASVXL device.  We will be demonstrating the procedure on the General Screener version of the ASVXL.

Alco-Sensor VXL Calibration Procedure Part 1
  • Check the temperature of the ASVXL — it must be within a specified range in order to perform the calibration.
  • You can quickly check the temperature of your instrument by turning it on with the yellow trigger button and observing the status bar at the top of the screen.
  • The temperature range for a calibration procedure is 23 – 27 degrees Celsius.
  • If your unit is not within this range, take a few moments to allow the unit to come into range before beginning the steps below.

Checking the Temperature
  • Turn on the ASVXL and press the black button below the Test Menu command on the display (bottom right scroll button).
  • Use the right scroll button to scroll down in the menu until “MAIN MENU” is highlighted.
  • Press the yellow trigger button to select “MAIN MENU”.
  • Enter your password when prompted.  Check with your supervisor if you have not been given a password.
  • The password may be different for a calibration than it is for an accuracy check.

Find the Main Menu

Enter Password
  • Choose the highlighted option: “QUALITY ASSURANCE” then scroll down and select “CALIBRATION” from the list using the trigger button.

Quality Assurance Menu and Calibration Option
  • Enter the Standard Type you are using.  In this example we are using a dry gas standard.
    •  Dry
    • Wet
Alco-Sensor VXL Calibration Procedure Part 2
  • The ASVXL will display the Standard Value.  This is the sea level value of the standard being used.
  • Look on the label of the dry gas tank or the simulator solution for the nominal or sea level value of the standard.
  • For this demonstration, the seal level value of the dry gas standard we are using is .082%.
  • If the standard value you are using has a different value, you must change the number here.

Standard Value Display 
  • The ASVXL will display the Target Value.  Press the button on your True-Cal device or look at the chart on the Dry Gas tank label to get the Target Value of the standard.
  • See the True-Cal display at right.  The target value today is .080%.
  • If your ASVXL has an on-board barometer, this number is calculated automatically and displayed later in the sequence.

NOTE:  Wet Bath Simulator users will not be asked about the Target Value since the Standard and Target values for a wet standard are the same.

Target value of standard used for this demonstration
  • Next, you will be prompted to enter or verify identifying information about your gas standard.
    • Lot Number
    • Tank Number
    • Tank Expiration Date

  • You will be asked if you wish to verify the data you entered.  If you think you made a mistake or would like to review your entries, choose YES.  To proceed to the next screen, choose NO.
  • A unique Test Number is displayed briefly.
  • The Target Value will also be displayed briefly.
    • This is the number you entered earlier in the test OR
    • the number calculated by the on-board barometer
  • The ASVXL will prompt you to install a new mouthpiece and will then conduct an air blank to insure there is no alcohol present in the sampling system.
  • Make a note of the test number for your records.  You should keep a record of all calibrations and accuracy checks in your log book.
Alco-Sensor VXL Calibration Procedure Part 3
  • The ASVXL will prompt you to connect the mouthpiece to the dry gas tank
  • Press the button on the regulator to provide the standard gas sample to the instrument for analysis.  The instrument will detect the flow of gas and then draw an automatic sample.  Let the gas flow for one more second and then stop the flow of gas.
  • The 6 Liter Per Minute regulators expel the with enough  force for the flow sensor to detect the air flow.
  • You will see the red lights on the sides of the device light up, indicating that flow has been detected.
  • If your regulator is not a high flow 6 Liter Per Minute type, you will not see the red lights flashing.
  • You will need to manually sample the gas as it is flowing through the device by depressing the trigger button after the 5th or 6th second of gas flow.
  • The ASVXL will analyze the sample and calculate a Breath Alcohol Concentration (BrAC) reading.
  • The ASVXL will display the Calibration Result.  This number must match EXACTLY to the Target Value displayed earlier.  There is no tolerance range for a calibration.

Analyzing Sample Calibration Result Display and Storing Calibration Display  
  • If your Alco-Sensor VXL device is set up to print, the unit will prompt you to place the device in the docking station.
  • After that, the device will alert you that an Accuracy Check is Now Required!.
  • Proceed with the accuracy check immediately to validate that the calibration was conducted properly.
  • Return to Accuracy Check tutorial.
  • Record both procedures in your logbook.

Accuracy Check Now Required!

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